Jersey remains gripped by one of the worst drinking problems in Europe

Tuesday 17 November 2015

People in Jersey are drinking more alcohol per person than almost anywhere else in the world, according to a report out today.

At 12 litres of pure alcohol per person, Islanders drink more booze than the Irish (11.7 litres), Germans (11 litres), people in the UK (10 litres) and Americans (8.6 litres).

And one-in-four drinkers – or 20,000 people – are drinking at potentially hazardous or harmful levels, with 15 deaths every year directly down to alcohol consumption.

The Health and Social Services department – who revealed the figures in the Jersey Alcohol Profile 2015 – say that alcohol consumption has reduced considerably over the last ten years, but remains a significant threat to public health.

And they say that there is reason to be optimistic about young Islanders – their survey found that fewer young people are drinking, and those who do drink less than young people in the UK.

The report comes as politicians are beginning a major review of licensing policy, with possible implications for off-licences as well as pubs, cafes and bars.

Jersey’s top public health official - Medical Officer of Health Dr Susan Turnbull – said that alcohol abuse was a serious issue for the Island.

She said “There is definitely no room for complacency.

“We are still flashing red on some of the indicators, and hazardous levels of alcohol consumption continue to take their toll on adult Islanders’ health.

“However, there are certainly some signs of an improving picture.

“Jersey’s young people report mostly healthier lifestyles and are showing positive improvements in behaviours such as smoking and drinking, so there is hope for a healthier future.”

The report has also found that around 500 people per year are admitted to hospital for a specific alcohol-related condition, and that at least 500 domestic violence incidents involving alcohol have been reported to the police since the start of 2012.