Alcohol is the leading risk factor for death, ill-health, and disability amongst 15-49-year-olds. In fact, it causes more working years of life lost than the ten most common cancers combined. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the situation to crisis point, with deaths from alcohol rising to a 20-year high. It is important to remember that alcohol does not harm just the person drinking, but also their family, friends, and communities.
I believe it is time for the Government to commission an independent review on alcohol harm.