Alcohol licensing reforms
In England alone, alcohol harm costs society £27.44 billion each year and so it is important to remember that while we all want to see growth in the economy, quick savings that are made at the expense of people’s health and wellbeing will not only be harmful for individuals and their families, but also to the economy through lost productivity and increased demand on our health and social care services.
Peter Roderick
ADPH spokesperson for addiction
Today, the Government has launched a call for evidence on proposed changes to the licensing system, as recommended by the Licensing Taskforce. Responding to the consultation, ADPH spokesperson for addiction, Peter Roderick, who is also Director of Public Health for the City of York, said:
“Alcohol causes seven different types of cancer and almost one in 25 of all new cancers are estimated to be linked to alcohol. Alcohol also contributes to the development of hundreds of other conditions, including high blood pressure and liver disease.
“Worldwide, in 2019, over 700,000 deaths were caused by injuries as a result of alcohol consumption, and in 2023, there were nearly ten and a half thousand alcohol-specific deaths in the UK – a number which has risen every year for the last five years.
“There is no one answer to reducing the numbers of people suffering – and dying – from ill health caused by alcohol. However, we know that policies which reduce the affordability and availability of alcohol will help. Extending opening hours goes against this basic principle and will therefore undoubtedly increase alcohol harm – both through ill health and the impact of violence.
“We also know that more deprived areas often have a higher number of alcohol outlets, contributing not only to alcohol-related harm, but also to health inequalities.
“Therefore, it is absolutely vital that local authorities, local residents and planning committees – the people who understand their local communities best – play a role in deciding the outcome of licensing applications in their area.
“Directors of Public Health across the country have a statutory duty to protect the health of their local residents and so it is right that we consider the recommendations made by the Licensing Taskforce, which aim to reduce administrative burden on businesses while maintaining strong safeguards for public health, carefully.
“In England, alcohol harm costs society £27.44 billion each year and so it is important to remember that while we all want to see growth in the economy, quick savings that are made at the expense of people’s health and wellbeing will not only be harmful for individuals and their families, but also to the economy through lost productivity and increased demand on our health and social care services.”