‘Lives are at risk if there are no booze rules’

Seventy five North East lives could be lost by 2023 – unless the Government acts quickly on bringing in a minimum unit price on drink.

That’s the warning from the alcohol awareness group Balance which spelled out the stark consequences of any Government stalling.

A minimum unit price (MUP) will be introduced in Scotland on May 1, but only after a five-year delay caused by legal challenges from the alcohol industry.

Any setback in England could lead to nearly 11,000 alcohol-related crimes and 4,600 hospital admissions in the North East. All that will cost the region almost £66m, according to figures released today by Balance.

The merits of a minimum unit price were being discussed today in Parliament at a special joint meeting of the Health Select and Home Affairs Select Committees.

Sergeant Mick Urwin from Durham Police was due to give evidence on behalf of the National Police Chiefs Council.

Sergeant Urwin said: “We know that cheap alcohol is the drink of choice for heavy drinkers and many children.

“The kinds of products that MUP will affect – the cheap ciders and vodkas – are exactly those products that we confiscate on a regular basis.

Balance Director Colin Shevills said: “MUP goes to the heart of the problem by raising the price of the cheapest, strongest products.

“It doesn’t affect the price of a pint or a glass of wine in a pub and moderate drinkers – rich or poor – are unlikely to notice any difference.”