Have you taken part in the big drink debate?

Jun 22 2009 by Helen Rae, The Journal

MORE than 3,000 people have already filled in a questionnaire about the North East’s drinking habits – and the damage excessive alcohol is doing to our communities.

Last week, the largest public health debate ever to be held in the region was launched by Balance, the North East alcohol office, to assess the impact of drink on the region.

Drinkers and non-drinkers alike are being asked to take part in the survey, which is supported by The Journal.

The debate aims to provide a comprehensive study of the area’s attitudes towards, and relationships with, alcohol by encouraging members of the public to fill in a questionnaire.

Director of Balance, Colin Shevills said: “The response we’ve had so far has been great but there is still a long way to go and we need as many people as possible to fill in the questionnaire.

“Our aim is to get a clear understanding of the local population’s attitudes towards, and relationship, with alcohol. The debate is open to all walks of life, from the young to the old, from drinkers to non-drinkers, no one is excluded.”

Balance hopes that more than 10,000 people in the North East will fill in a questionnaire. It is available online as well as being handed out by street teams across the region over the next six weeks.