Responding to today’s new figures on alcohol-specific deaths in the UK issued by the Office for National Statistics which show the 'highest number on record', Professor David Strain, chair of the BMA board of science committee, said:

“The UK’s drinking culture is often portrayed as a light-hearted British tradition. However, today’s ONS data makes it clear that there’s nothing light-hearted about the UK’s levels of alcohol consumption.

“More than 10,000 alcohol-related deaths is not a cultural norm - it is a national crisis. Behind these numbers are countless more people suffering from chronic, debilitating conditions, placing immense pressure on the NHS as it struggles to support patients living with the long-term effects of alcohol misuse. As doctors we witness first hand the devastating consequences of excessive drinking and are acutely aware that accepting life-altering alcohol misuse as part of our culture is both harmful and dangerous.

“We’ve long known that alcohol is a dangerous substance that must be consumed in moderation - or not at all, so today the BMA is reiterating its call to government to ensure that alcohol pricing reflects the caution with which it should be approached. Evidence consistently shows that affordability drives consumption, so higher alcohol duties and minimum unit prices can have a direct impact on reducing harm. The Association is also calling for stronger restrictions on alcohol advertising - particularly its deep-rooted association with sporting events - alongside lowering the drink-driving limit, mandatory labelling of health risks on alcohol products and properly funding alcohol treatment services. More than 10,000 preventable deaths should serve as a stark wake-up call to the government that urgent action is needed to implement these life-saving measures.”

Notes to editors