The study, released on Wednesday by the University of Sheffield’s School of Health and Related Research, was produced on behalf of the Department of Health.
It shows that by increasing the price of alcohol, the Government could save thousands of lives as well as millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money.
The University team, led by Dr. Petra Meier of the School of Health and Related Research, examined 40 different alcohol pricing set-ups including increasing minimum price per unit and restricting promotional offers.
She said: "The results suggest that policies which increase the price of alcohol can bring significant health and social benefits and lead to considerable financial savings in the NHS, criminal justice system and in the workplace."
Heavier drinkers would be most strongly impacted by a general alcohol price rise, the research found.
A minimum price of alcohol enforced in supermarkets and off-licences, as well as pubs and clubs would specifically target harmful drinkers - those more likely to be enticed by cheaper alcohol.
The report shows that the greater the minimum price of alcohol, the more effective it is in reducing consumption levels.
A 70p minimum price per unit would lead to an 18.6 per cent reduction, compared with a 2.6 per cent fall when the minimum price is 40p.
The report also shows that strict alcohol pricing policies reduce health risks, and the consequent cost to the NHS.
It estimates that a 40p minimum price would lessen hospital admissions by 41,000 ever year and save £116million.
Estimated reductions in crime, particularly violent attacks, theft and robbery, as a result of increased alcohol prices, would also result in Government savings.
It is thought a 30p off-trade, coupled with an 80p on-trade price restriction, would prevent 68,000 crimes every year.
A new report has found an unprecedented direct link between alcohol prices and alcohol-related harm.
The study, released on Wednesday by the University of Sheffield’s School of Health and Related Research, was produced on behalf of the Department of Health.
It shows that by increasing the price of alcohol, the Government could save thousands of lives as well as millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money.
The University team, led by Dr. Petra Meier of the School of Health and Related Research, examined 40 different alcohol pricing set-ups including increasing minimum price per unit and restricting promotional offers.
She said: "The results suggest that policies which increase the price of alcohol can bring significant health and social benefits and lead to considerable financial savings in the NHS, criminal justice system and in the workplace."
Heavier drinkers would be most strongly impacted by a general alcohol price rise, the research found.
A minimum price of alcohol enforced in supermarkets and off-licences, as well as pubs and clubs would specifically target harmful drinkers - those more likely to be enticed by cheaper alcohol.
The report shows that the greater the minimum price of alcohol, the more effective it is in reducing consumption levels.
A 70p minimum price per unit would lead to an 18.6 per cent reduction, compared with a 2.6 per cent fall when the minimum price is 40p.
The report also shows that strict alcohol pricing policies reduce health risks, and the consequent cost to the NHS.
It estimates that a 40p minimum price would lessen hospital admissions by 41,000 ever year and save £116million.
Estimated reductions in crime, particularly violent attacks, theft and robbery, as a result of increased alcohol prices, would also result in Government savings.
It is thought a 30p off-trade, coupled with an 80p on-trade price restriction, would prevent 68,000 crimes every year.
Martha Kelner
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