Facts and Figures

At Balance we always ensure we can substantiate what we say. We have dedicated researchers and work with partners to look at and digest the evidence and come to conclusions and potential solutions.

This is where we set out the facts and figures. We've broken them down into different areas for you to easily access them. So from health, crime and disorder and second hand harm to frontline servies and the economy, you can find out the about real impact that alcohol misuse is having on us all.

Here are a few headline facts and figures as a starting point:

Alcohol is too affordable, too available and too heavily promoted - encouraging too many people to drink too much, too often:

• In 2010 alcohol was 44% more affordable than it was in 1980.

• As of 2009/10 there were more than 5,800 licensed premises in the North East and 169 24-hour licensed premises.

• The alcohol industry spends £800 million a year on marketing – which leads young people to start drinking earlier and to consume more.

• There is a clear association between affordability, availability and consumption.

• In the North East, 48% of men and 29% of women reported drinking above the daily recommended limits.

Our drinking has reached the point where it is damaging the health, wealth and safety of people and communities in the North East:

• The North East has the record highest rate of alcohol related deaths in England. 

• Alcohol misuse costs the region up to £1.3 billion a year – that’s more than £400 for every man, woman and child.

• 50% of all violent crime is alcohol-related.

Our drinking culture is putting our children and their future at risk:

• The North East has the highest rate of under 18 hospital admissions in England.

• 40% of 13-year-olds and 58% of 15-year-olds who have drunk alcohol have experienced negative consequences including smoking, taking drugs and unprotected sex.

• In the North East there has been a 403% increase in the number of 30-34 year olds being admitted into the region’s hospitals with alcohol liver disease between 2002 and 2010.