Alcohol deaths now at record high in England

Over the past four years, England has witnessed a “catastrophic rise” in alcohol-related deaths, prompting public health experts to call for immediate action. In 2023, more than 8,200 people died solely due to alcohol, marking a 42% increase compared to 2019, with the North East reporting the highest rates.

The Alcohol Health Alliance UK believes introducing a minimum price per unit of alcohol, similar to Scotland’s policy, could help curb consumption. Scotland, where alcohol-related deaths have historically been higher, recorded 1,277 deaths in 2023, unchanged from the previous year. The minimum unit pricing policy, implemented in 2018, has recently increased the cost per unit from 50p to 65p, ensuring no alcoholic drink is sold below this threshold. The Alliance claims the policy has successfully reduced alcohol-related harm.

However, critics argue that minimum pricing unfairly impacts responsible drinkers, particularly those on low incomes, while serious drinkers may prioritize alcohol over other expenses.

The government acknowledges that alcohol-related deaths reaching record levels is unacceptable and pledges to address this in its NHS 10-year plan for England. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson emphasized that prevention will be a core focus, aiming to support healthier, longer lives.

The Alcohol Health Alliance, comprising 60 organizations working to minimize alcohol harm, described the trend as “alarming,” warning of further rises in alcohol-related deaths and increasing strain on healthcare systems. Heavy drinking, they stress, devastates families, shortens lives, and leaves children grappling with grief and trauma.

Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, chairman of the Alliance, urged urgent, decisive action to make alcohol harm a top public-health priority in 2025. Without this, he cautioned, preventable deaths will continue to escalate, necessitating a coordinated, cross-government effort to combat the crisis.

The Alliance’s call for action highlights the widespread societal impact of alcohol harm, which extends beyond individuals to burden the economy, public services, and families. Experts argue that bold measures, such as stricter regulation of alcohol marketing, increased public awareness campaigns, and better support for addiction treatment, are essential to reverse the current trend.

While minimum unit pricing (MUP) remains a contentious issue, supporters point to studies in Scotland showing reductions in alcohol sales, particularly among heavier drinkers, since its introduction. Public health experts argue that MUP is a targeted intervention that could play a key role in tackling excessive drinking and related deaths in England.

The government, however, faces challenges in balancing public health priorities with economic and political considerations. Industry stakeholders, including alcohol producers and retailers, have pushed back against minimum pricing policies, raising concerns about potential impacts on sales and consumer choice. Nevertheless, public-health advocates insist that the cost of inaction—measured in lives lost, healthcare expenses, and societal harm—is far greater than the price of implementing reforms.

In addition to MUP, experts are also calling for improved funding for support services, which have faced cuts in recent years. Early intervention, counseling programs, and rehabilitation services are seen as crucial tools in helping individuals reduce harmful drinking and recover from its dependency.

As the NHS grapples with mounting pressure, including increased admissions related to related conditions, the need for preventive measures has never been more urgent. Public health experts hope that by making alcohol harm a national priority, meaningful steps can be taken to reverse the rising death toll and protect future generations.

The coming year will be a critical test for the government’s commitment to tackling the issue, as calls grow louder for evidence-based, cross-sector strategies that address the root causes of harmful drinking while supporting those most affected.