Alcohol-Related Deaths in England Surge by 42% in Four Years

Public health experts urge immediate action as over 8,200 lives were lost in 2023, with calls for minimum unit pricing to curb the crisis.

Alcohol-specific deaths in England reached a record 8,274 in 2023, marking a 42% increase since 2019, according to public health data.
The Alcohol Health Alliance (AHA) highlights Scotland's minimum unit pricing (MUP) policy as effective in reducing alcohol harm, urging its implementation in England.
Experts attribute the rise in deaths to increased alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing affordability of alcoholic beverages.
Nearly 950,000 hospital admissions in England each year are linked to alcohol, placing significant strain on the healthcare system and economy.
The UK government has pledged to prioritize public health in its upcoming 10-year NHS plan, but critics warn of further escalation without decisive action.