The number of alcohol-related deaths in the United Kingdom has declined for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, according to newly released figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The data showed that 9,809 deaths linked to alcohol-specific causes were recorded across the UK in 2024.
Described by one expert as a “modest reduction,” the figure represents the lowest total since 2021 and the lowest death rate since 2020, standing at 14.8 deaths per 100,000 people. Despite the decline, campaigners stressed that the numbers still highlight the urgent need to address alcohol-related harm, calling the latest statistics a reason to intensify prevention and support efforts.
Alcohol-related deaths in the United Kingdom have declined for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemicRead Also – YesCare saw its revenue plunge by 80% following a major medical malpractice verdict
Alcohol-specific deaths, which include conditions directly caused by alcohol consumption, had been increasing steadily since 2018 and reached a record high of 10,473 deaths in 2023.
In 2024, death rates dropped in both England and Wales, falling to 13.8 and 16.8 deaths per 100,000 people respectively, compared with the previous year.
However, Scotland and Northern Ireland continued to report the highest alcohol-related death rates in the UK, at 20.9 and 21.4 deaths per 100,000 people respectively.
‘Still the biggest we’ve seen in decades’
Dr Richard Piper, CEO of Alcohol Change UK, told BBC News there was no single factor behind the decrease, but that the figures were still “way too high”.
“They are significantly higher than they were before the pandemic and are still the biggest we’ve seen in decades”, he said.
Dr Piper said that stress caused by the pandemic, rising cost-of-living challenges, and the easy access to cheaper alcohol sold in stores were some of the key factors contributing to increased alcohol consumption.
“More economic hardship causes an increase in drinking due to the stress and anxiety it brings, while over 70% of all alcohol is purchased at home and shop-bought alcohol is as cheap as it’s ever been,” he said.
Dr Piper said that although alcohol consumption among younger people has recently declined overall, it may not immediately result in a drop in alcohol-related deaths.
Data from the Office for National Statistics revealed that the North East recorded the highest rate of alcohol-specific deaths among all regions in England, with 21.1 deaths per 100,000 people. In contrast, London reported the lowest rate at 10.9 deaths per 100,000 people.
Dr Piper explained that these differences are partly linked to regional health inequalities across the UK.
“Areas with higher deprivation have higher levels of alcohol harm,” he said.
Dr Piper said deprived communities also had a lower likelihood of being able to access healthcare and a higher density of cheap alcohol outlets, meaning people may be consuming higher volumes of alcohol.
In 2024, the alcohol-related death rate among men in the United Kingdom reached 20.2 deaths per 100,000 people, nearly twice as high as the rate recorded for women.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), age-specific death rates declined among people aged 25 to 79 compared with 2023, while rates increased among those aged 80 and above.
Dr Piper suggested that the rise in alcohol-related deaths among people over 80 could be linked to the long-term cumulative effects of alcohol consumption over the course of their lives.
‘National love affair with the substance’
Alcohol Change UK is urging the government to introduce minimum unit pricing for alcohol in England and strengthen regulations on online alcohol advertising and marketing.
Dr Piper said the government “missing a huge trick in tackling” alcohol-related harms because it was scared due to the UK’s “national love affair with the substance”.
“They’re talking a good game on health prevention, but it’s not delivering,” he said.
Dr Katherine Severi, chief executive of the Institute of Alcohol Studies, echoed the call to ramp up efforts to tackle the issue.
“Let’s be clear, alcohol deaths remain at a deeply unacceptable level, and we cannot allow that to become normal,” she said. “A modest reduction is not cause for complacency – it is cause for redoubling efforts.”
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “Any death from alcohol is a tragedy. While these figures show a slight reduction, alcohol-related deaths remain at unacceptably high levels and we are determined to drive them down.
“Our 10 Year Health Plan commitment to alcohol labelling to provide better health and nutritional information is a crucial step in supporting people to make healthier choices.
“Over the next three years, the government is providing £3.4 bn of ring-fenced funding through the Public Health Grant to support drug and alcohol prevention, treatment and recovery services.”
