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Alcohol cases 'clog up hospitals' Drinks industry facing tough laws
(about 3 hours later)
The true scale of the number of people treated in hospital for alcohol-related illness is much higher than official figures suggest, ministers admit. Ministers have told the drinks industry to act more responsibly or face new laws governing alcohol sales.
Government figures for England showed that more than 800,000 people were admitted for injuries and disease linked to drinking last year. A review of retailers showed many were not following a voluntary code calling on them to display details on units and to encourage sensible drinking.
Ministers have responded by launching a consultation on proposed laws covering happy hours, promotion and labelling.
It comes as figures suggest the scale of alcohol-related hospital admissionswas much higher than thought.
Office for National Statistics data had suggested the figure for hospital admissions was just over 200,000.Office for National Statistics data had suggested the figure for hospital admissions was just over 200,000.
But ministers said that data was too narrowly defined. But this only covered illness caused directly by alcohol such as liver disease.
Instead, they admited that once admissions for alcohol-related heart disease, cancer and strokes were included the true figure was much higher. Department of Health figures for England showed that when deaths from cancer, heart disease and strokes were taken into account the total topped 800,000 a year.
Health Secretary Alan Johnson said people should start taking more responsibility for their lifestyles. Public health minister Dawn Primarolo said the response to the voluntary code - parts of which were introduced in 1998 - was "disappointing".
Ministers are set to outline plans to tackle the alcohol problem at a briefing on Tuesday. "The evidence clearly makes this the right time to consult on a far tougher approach to the alcohol industry.
Proposals are thought to include tighter regulation of the drinks industry, including a ban on happy hours in pubs and clubs. "Obviously individuals have to take responsibility for their drinking, but others, including the industry, also have a role to play."
It comes after an audit, commissioned by the Home Office and carried out by KPMG, recommended a complete overhaul of laws governing the alcohol industry.