DoH: Low prices drive alcohol consumption
Friday, 28 Mar 2008 13:27
Low drinks prices are enabling teenagers to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol, according to the north-west regional office of the Department of Health.
Dominic Harrison said cut price deals on alcohol are the "principle cause" of teenagers getting drunk followed by "culture and the increasing social tolerance of drunken behaviour".
His comments follow a study which found that that 15 to 16-year-olds in the north-west of England drink a total of 84 million units a year.
This is equivalent to 44 bottles of wine (or 177 pints of beer) per year for every 15 and 16-year-old in the region, or 67 bottles of wine (269 pints of beer) per year for each 15 and 16 year old that drinks at least once a month.
"This research confirms the almost daily experience of both young people and adults across the region who can see for themselves the rising problem of drunkenness amongst a significant proportion of young people," Mr Harrison said.
"Young people from less wealthy backgrounds appear to be most at risk, but the problem is apparent across the whole of society."
He added: "The NHS and the Government Office North West are working closely with NHS primary care trusts and local authorities to address the problem through a range of strategies.
"Ultimately, we may need more public challenge both to young people who drink inappropriately and the retail, marketing and culture industries that drive social attitudes supportive of excessive alcohol consumption."