Fears over licensing laws after rise in alcohol-related deaths

The Liberal Democrats have questioned the wisdom of extended opening hours after recent figures showed a leap in the number of alcohol-related deaths over the past five years.

Data from the Office for National Statistics show an 18% rise in the number of deaths due to alcohol in England and Wales since 2000. Over the period the figure rose from 5,525 to 6,544.

Yorkshire and Humber saw the biggest increase (47%) while the North-east experienced a 28% rise. West Midlands and North-west both saw a 24% increase but London was the only region to see a drop (4%).

Liberal Democrat fears were raised by Lynne Featherstone, the party's home affairs spokesperson. She said: "I am worried that the proposed change to licensing laws will add to this startling increase in drink-related deaths. The Government should pause for thought before it brings in the changes to the licensing laws in November."

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