Leader: Demon drink blamed for death rise

The shocking rise in the number of deaths from liver disease in England is the cost of a drink culture which has long gripped our society.

Poor smokers – and after yesterday's Budget they will be yet poorer – have become stigmatised and marginalised, and have to huddle in outside shelters to pursue their addiction. Cigarette packets are plastered with dire warnings.

Drinking also kills, but is not only tolerated, but celebrated and glamorised. Britain's most popular soaps have pub life at their heart. Alcohol is the acceptable drug.

Drink is not the only factor at work in the 25 per cent rise in liver disease deaths. It is though a key element. There has also been a 60 per cent rise in alcoholic liver disease in young people over a period of seven years.

Parallel to the cost to sufferers and their families is the cost to society of the drinks culture. Defendants in court cases so often blame their actions on drink that it is a cliche.

A groom who burned down the hotel which hosted his wedding reception caused millions of pounds of damage. He had drunk more than 20 double vodkas.

Wander around Shrewsbury town centre late on a weekend night and you will not have to look far to find youngsters who are over the odds.

Drink is not a modern problem or modern obsession and, just as in the past, attempts to stamp it out or impose a revolution in our attitude are likely to fail.

That does not mean that we cannot aspire to a steady evolution in which drink can still be enjoyed sensibly and responsibly as a social lubricant and harmless, or only mildly harmful, vice.

It is going to be a long road, but the need to begin the journey is pressing.

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