Alcohol Sales In Scotland At An All-Time High, This Is Bad News For The NHS, Warns BMA

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Main Category: Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 01 Sep 2011 - 4:00 PDT


Following reports by Health Scotland that alcohol sales in the country had reached an all-time high, surpassing England and Wales in volume sales, tough action to deal with the cost of alcohol in Scotland was called for yesterday by doctors leaders. The study by Health Scotland discovered that despite the recommended upper weekly limit of 21 units of alcohol for men, on average, the high sales volumes equated to 22.8 units on average per week per adult.

Drinking alcohol heavily on a regular basis has considerable consequences for the health of individuals. A recent BMA survey of GPs in Scotland discovered over 5,500 consultations took place in general practices in the country related to alcohol, on one day in April. This equals approximately 1.4 million consultations each year, accounting for 6% of all GP consultations, and costing the NHS in excess of £28 million.

The drinks industry and supermarkets might benefit due to the high volume of sales, however, alcohol costs taxpayers in Scotland around £3.56 billion per year, approximately £900 per person. £1.46 billion is estimated to be the cost due to premature deaths caused by alcohol, and £268.8 million for healthcare related costs.

On one day in Scotland

• In terms of health, violence and crime, alcohol with cost the country £97.5 million
• Alcohol will kill five individuals
• 98 individuals will be admitted to hospital with a condition linked to alcohol
• Drink driving offense will be committed by 23 people
• 450 victims of violent crime will realize their assailant to be under the influence of alcohol

Dr Brian Keighley, Chairman of the BMA in Scotland, explained:


 "In Scotland, the government has embraced the BMA's policies on tackling alcohol misuse and has already legislated to improve licensing and end promotions to encourage bulk buying of alcohol in supermarkets. However, a failure by the Scottish Parliament to support minimum pricing means that it will be increasingly difficult to affect real change in peoples' drinking habits. There is a wealth of evidence that demonstrates the link between price and consumption and this is a central part of any alcohol strategy.


It is essential that this parliament supports new legislation to introduce a minimum price for alcohol in Scotland. Sensible drinking begins with sensible pricing.


The more alcohol that is sold in Scotland, the greater the numbers of people drinking to excess and the NHS will bear the brunt of the health consequences. The financial burden is no longer sustainable and if this trend continues the service will struggle to cope.

The most effective and evidence-based intervention to reduce consumption of alcohol is to tackle price and availability. Politicians have a central role in regulating the drinks industry and supermarkets to put an end to the ridiculous pricing of alcohol. By increasing price, we can reduce consumption and this in turn can prevent needless deaths."

Written by Grace Rattue
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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