Devon County Council unveils action plan to tackle alarming rise in alcohol harm
Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
Devon County Council has thrown its full support behind a new nine-point plan aimed at tackling what it calls an “alarming” rise in alcohol-related harm across the county.
The initiative, discussed in a recent cabinet meeting, comes amid sobering statistics that reveal a significant and growing public health concern linked to alcohol consumption in the region.
According to the council, since 2006, alcohol-related deaths in Devon have risen by more than 18%, with a particularly stark 40% increase in deaths from alcoholic liver disease among people under 75 since 2001.
Hospital admissions for alcohol-related issues have surged by 46% in the past seven years, with Devon’s rate of young adult admissions now nearly double the national average.
Even more concerning, the data shows that girls under 18 in Devon are more than twice as likely as boys to be admitted for alcohol-related conditions.
Meanwhile, rising consumption among those aged 55 and older has been partly blamed on changes in drinking habits that developed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Steve Brown, Director of Public Health for Devon, stressed the gravity of the situation: “Right now in Devon we are seeing lives being cut short, families losing loved ones and people struggling to hold down a job due to alcohol. The harms caused by alcohol are significant, with treatment services seeing many more people with established liver disease after years of heavy drinking."
The council’s nine recommendations include the development of a county-wide alcohol strategy, limits on new alcohol licences in high-risk areas, targeted school education programmes, and improved housing options for those living with alcohol dependency. The plan also calls for stronger collaboration with the NHS, schools, emergency services, and voluntary organisations.
Councillor Cheryl Cottle Hunkin, cabinet member for public health and communities, acknowledged that while alcohol holds cultural significance in Devon - especially through the county’s cider-making heritage - the situation demands urgent attention.
“Going out for drinks with friends or enjoying some wine in the evening is a social norm, and Devon is renowned for its traditional cider making. But the high levels and statistics for Devon are alarming, with figures far higher than the national average," she said. "It is vital that we continue to work with our partners to try and reduce the harm caused by alcohol."
The council hopes the plan will lay the foundation for long-term improvements in public health, reduce strain on emergency and healthcare services, and ultimately save lives.
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