Have you taken part in the big drink debate?
Jun 22 2009 by Helen Rae, The Journal
The questionnaire is anonymous and asks why people do or do not drink, how many units they consume over a typical week, where they purchase alcohol and what situations would make them reduce their consumption.
All the information gathered through the North East Big Drink Debate will be used to inform a state of the region report to be published in autumn.
Together with its partners, Balance will use the report to inform an updated regional alcohol strategy designed to help people reduce their alcohol consumption.
Alcohol plays a key role in the economy and culture of the North East – the food and drink sector in the region employs approximately 45,000 people. But while many jobs depend on the night-time economy, there is no doubt that as a region we are suffering more health and social problems from over-consumption.
Recent statistics show alcohol-specific hospital admissions are up to 35% higher in the region than the national average and rates of death in men from chronic liver disease increased by almost 22% from 2001 to 2005. More than one third of offenders being supervised by the National Offender Management Service in the North East are believed to be alcoholics.
And during the last 12 months Revenue and Customs officers have seized 4,000 litres of counterfeit spirits and 243,000 litres of smuggled alcohol in the North East at a street value of more than £800,000.
