Alcohol Related Deaths Rising in Scotland

At least five deaths each day in Scotland are alcohol-related, and the numbers appear to be rising, the Scotsman reported on Dec. 19.

The 2,052 alcohol-related deaths in Scotland in 2004 show an increase of 4 percent from the previous year, or 20 percent since 2000, and have tripled since 20 years ago, according to figures released by the United Kingdom's National Health Service.

Those living in poverty-stricken areas are also six times more likely to undergo emergency visits to the hospital for alcoholic liver disease, revealed a report by Quality Improvement Scotland.

The country's drinking culture costs the economy £1.1 billion, estimated the report.

Scotland's licensing system has been reformed, and the public continues to be informed about the dangers of alcohol abuse, said Lewis Macdonald, deputy health minister, but critics say more needs to be done.

"These figures confirm the increasingly serious problem of excessive alcohol consumption," said Nanette Milne, Tory health spokeswoman. "Education is clearly required and we have to take action to curb under-age drinking."