Survey to reveal alcohol abuse effects on business

Dec 10 2007 by Jessica Shaughnessy, Liverpool Daily Post

A MAJOR survey is being conducted to find out how Liverpool’s growing alcohol problems are affecting the city’s businesses.

The crucial research is among a string of measures being taken by the region’s health organisations after Liverpool was named Britain’s binge drinking capital earlier this year.

But, while much of the work focuses on raising awareness among young people, the survey aims to uncover the extent of the impact an alcohol epidemic is having on the economy.

Health@Work, the Liverpool-based organisation specialising in workplace health issues, has commissioned the report on behalf of Liverpool Primary Care Trust.

Liverpool John Moores University will carry out the research by asking up to 400 organisations about a range of issues from absenteeism to hospitality drinking.

Health@Work director Frances Molloy, said: “Alcohol campaigns often focus on aspects like binge drinking and younger people out on the town, but business and commerce is a sector which could have a real impact on raising awareness of sensible drinking.

“Once we have the results, we will make recommendations in conjunction with our partner organisations as to how employers should deal with alcohol in a business arena.”

An interim report is expected to be made available before Christmas while the final draft will be published in February. Cllr Gideon Ben-Tovim, chairman of Liverpool PCT, said: “We are pleased to be supporting this research, which will give us a clear picture of what the situation is.”

Liverpool JMU alcohol research manager Michela Morleo, who will carry out the research, said: “This survey aims to uncover how businesses are affected by alcohol, for example through absenteeism.

“It will offer a voice to businesses on how services can be developed to meet their needs and to tackle alcohol-related harm in the workplace.

“We strongly encourage businesses to participate in the survey.”

Liverpool’s alcohol culture was laid bare in September when it was revealed the North West is the country’s worst region for binge drinking.

And a North West Strategic Health Authority report revealed that more than one in four people in Liverpool and Knowsley are binge-drinkers, making the area the worst in the region.

Last month, it was announced an extra £10m will be spent on ending Liverpool’s binge drinking, with the extra money to be spent over the next three years.

Schemes include teaching children as young as six about the dangers of alcohol.