UK alcohol deaths fall

Alcohol-specific deaths in the UK have fallen for the first time since the Covid pandemic, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The BBC reported that a total of 9,809 deaths were registered in 2024, down from the record 10,473 recorded in 2023. It is the lowest number since 2021 and the lowest rate since 2020, at 14.8 deaths per 100,000 people. Campaigners say the figures remain deeply concerning and should prompt renewed action on alcohol harm.

Deaths fell in England and Wales in 2024, with rates dropping to 13.8 and 16.8 per 100,000 people. Scotland and Northern Ireland continued to record the highest rates in the UK at 20.9 and 21.4 per 100,000. Within England, the North East had the highest rate at 21.1 per 100,000, while London had the lowest at 10.9.

Dr Richard Piper, chief executive of Alcohol Change UK, said there was no single explanation for the fall but warned that the numbers remain “way too high”. He said deaths are still significantly above pre-pandemic levels and among the highest seen in decades. Pandemic stress, cost-of-living pressures and the availability of cheap, shop-bought alcohol were among the factors driving increased consumption. More than 70% of alcohol is now purchased for home drinking, he said.

He added that regional health inequalities play a major role, with deprived communities facing higher levels of alcohol harm, reduced access to healthcare and a greater density of low-cost alcohol outlets. The death rate for men in 2024 was 20.2 per 100,000—almost double the rate for women. Age-specific rates fell among people aged 25 to 79 but increased among those aged 80 and over, which Dr Piper suggested may reflect the cumulative effects of long-term alcohol use.

Alcohol Change UK is calling for minimum unit pricing in England and tighter controls on online alcohol marketing. Dr Piper said the government was “missing a huge trick” because of the UK’s “national love affair” with alcohol. Dr Katherine Severi, chief executive of the Institute of Alcohol Studies, said the slight fall should not be seen as progress, arguing that alcohol deaths remain at an “unacceptable level” and require intensified action.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said any alcohol-related death is a tragedy and acknowledged that numbers remain too high. The department highlighted its commitment to improved alcohol labelling and confirmed that £3.4bn will be provided through the Public Health Grant over the next three years to support prevention, treatment and recovery services.