Health boss calls for change in drinking culture

The amount of places that sell alcohol in Jersey should be reduced, according to the director of the Alcohol and Drugs service.

Michael Gafoor said the price of alcohol should not fall lower than the rate of inflation each year.

The number of alcohol referrals to Jersey's Alcohol and Drug Service in 2010 was up slightly on 2009.

Some 569 people were admitted to the General Hospital for alcohol-related problems last year.

Mr Gafoor said: "A variety of measures are needed, people with alcohol problems need access to treatment promptly, and on a wider society level we need to change drinking culture and that cannot be done overnight."

He said Jersey needed to increase alcohol awareness campaigns, and strengthen alcohol education in schools.

"The figures are worrying even though the trend is down, and the service needs to inform people that far from it being a coping mechanism, it can lead to ill health," he said.