Three experts have called for a major hike in the price of alcohol to stem the epidemic of liver disease caused by excessive use.
Tough measures are needed and would be more effective than investment in treatment, according to an article in the journal Gut.
The article is written by Professor Ian Gilmore, president of the Royal College of Physicians, with Southampton liver specialist Dr Nick Sheron, and Dr Noel Olsen, who has chaired the Alcohol Education and Research Council.
They say that tackling the price and availability of drink would also be more effective than the British government’s current initiatives, which include hard-hitting advertising campaigns.
The doctors say that rising rates of liver deaths since 1980 are linked closely to changes in the price of alcohol. International evidence from the World Health Organisation and the European Union also backs them, they say.
They warn that survival rates from liver failure have not improved beyond 50 per cent in the last 30 years.
The doctors write: "The alcohol industry and the Government have favoured an emphasis on education- and information-based initiatives. There is no evidence that these approaches reduce alcohol-related harm although an evidence base is emerging in other public health areas, and in the longer term these measures may turn out to be effective.
"Information, advice and education campaigns may be important in changing attitudes and in preparing public opinion for the introduction of effective measures, but appear ineffective when used alone."
Gut 2008;57:1341–1344. doi:10.1136/gut.2007.146753
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