British medical boss wants drinking review

LONDON, July 21 (Reuters) Britain's top medical advisor called in an interview published today for a review of extended drinking hours laws and higher taxes on alcohol due to concerns over the effects of binge drinking.

In 2005 the government introduced extended drinking hours in the hope it would create more civilised habits towards alcohol consumption, more in line with some European countries.

''Some of us worried about the decision when it was brought in and any review of the policy would be welcome,'' Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson told the Daily Telegraph newspaper adding he would also like to see a tax rise on alcohol.

''I would certainly strongly commend increased taxation, the evidence is quite strong that putting the price up helps. Prices of alcohol have fallen relative to the cost of living.'' The damage caused by alcohol misuse in health, crime and disorder terms is estimated to cost 20 billion pounds (41 billion dollars) in England and Wales, while more than 7 million English people are rated hazardous or harmful drinkers.

Official figures show about 180,000 people each year are admitted into the health service with alcohol-related problems or injuries, while alcohol-related deaths have doubled since 1979.

Drawing comparisons with the rest of Europe, Donaldson said getting drunk was perceived as exciting for many Britons.

''I said to some teenage children in France: 'Would you ever go out to get drunk?' and they said: 'We can's see the point of it, we don't want to go out and get sick'.'' Donaldson would also like to stop drinks companies sponsoring sporting events. ''It's something that worked with tobacco,'' said Donaldson.

The Chief Medical Officer's call for a review was backed by the main opposition Conservative Party.

''Surely the right thing to do is to conduct a review and gather evidence on the application of the new regime,'' said Conservative health spokesman Andrew Lansley.

''Recent work at St Thomas's and St George's hospitals in London has shown very worrying levels of drink-related attendances in accident and emergency departments overnight.

''This is causing considerable additional pressure on accident and emergency departments and emergency services and we don't appear to be seeing the intended benefits in the reduction in binge drinking,'' he said.

REUTERS GP HT1702