Drop in alcohol related deaths
Alcohol related deaths in the UK have dropped, according to latest figures from the Office for National Statistics.
The rate in 2009 dropped to 8.4 people per 100,000 from 13.6 in 2008. This follows a period of steady increase since the early 1990s.
The figures also show that in 2008 there were 9,031 alcohol related deaths, compared to 8,664 in 2009.
Trends also show that the highest alcohol death rates are among men aged between 55 to 74.
But Alcohol Concern boss Don Shenker said the figures were a blip due to the recession.
He said: "The slight fall in 2009 in alcohol related deaths mirrors a slight drop in alcohol consumption, and while this is positive, is wholly due to a drop in consumer spending as a result of the recession. It is very likely that alcohol consumption will rise again once the economy picks up."
He added that "government alcohol policy should ensure alcohol becomes less affordable permanently, not just in an economic downturn".
Meanwhile Chris Sorek, chief executive of alcohol awareness charity Drinkaware, said: "It's really encouraging to see a drop in alcohol-related deaths, but the fact that thousands of people are still dying from alcohol misuse shows we must not rest on our laurels.
"It is imperative we change people's attitudes and behaviours towards alcohol to avoid the drinkers of today turning into the alcohol-related death statistics of tomorrow.
"Although a slight drop in average weekly consumption of alcohol, particularly among 16 to 44 year olds, is a positive step in the right direction, we mustn't get complacent about the how much more work there is to do to help people drink less."
