UK: Drunks Should Pay for Emergency Treatment

In its report, 'Hitting the Bottle', the Policy Exchange recommends that "Drinkers admitted to hospital for less than 24 hours, such as those needing stomach pumps or just sleeping off the effects of a heavy night, should be made to pay up to £532."

The report calls for the price of high-strength drinks to be increased and for the police to issue more on the spot fines to drunks. The think tank also believes the Licensing Act should include a duty to protect public health.

Alcohol misuse is a growing public health problem with high costs to the NHS. Hospital admissions for alcohol intoxication have doubled in a decade.

There must also be huge associated costs caused by alcohol-impaired judgment and performance.

Reference

Margaret Wilde http://www.wildeaboutsteroids.co.uk/