Poor Alcohol Regulation could cost up to 250,000 lives, doctors predict.

Three leading liver disease specialists believe that poor alcohol regulation could lead to up to 250,000 lives being lost in England and Wales over the next 20 years.

Writing in The Lancet ; the leading liver disease specialists say that the government is not doing enough to tackle problem drinking and that measures including a minimum price of 50p per unit are urgently needed. Additionally the government is accused of being "too close" to the drinks industry.

Lead by Professor Sir Ian Gilmore who has long campaigned for action on alcohol misuse ; they said that plans to ban the sale of alcohol at below cost price, and to increase duty on strong beer are "inconsequential" because only a time percentage of sales fall into that category.

The doctors also criticised government moves to include representatives from the drinks trade, but not alcohol health experts – on its "responsibility deal" board, which will help steer public health policy on drinking.

A Department of Health spokeswoman said "The government has wasted no time in taking tough action to tackle problem drinking, including plans to stop supermarkets selling below-cost alcohol and working to introduce a tougher licensing regime."

The full news item can be read here - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12506127

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