We reported last week that it is estimated excess alcohol consumption in Greater Manchester costs £1.2bn every year or £436 for every person living in the region.
Today saw Councils, health services and the police officially teaming up to tackle alcohol abuse in Greater Manchester.
This is the first time ever in the UK such a large number of public bodies have united to launch a joint effort to deal with the problems caused by alcohol harm.
The strategy, which was officially endorsed today by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), focuses on prevention of alcohol abuse and bringing in consistent measures to tackle the problems it causes.
Amongst a number of recommendations are ensuring that licensing powers are more effective and used consistently and putting the right services in place to protect victims of domestic abuse
It is also intended to Improve awareness of the impact of drinking to the whole population
Mike Connolly, Leader of Bury Council and GMCA’s lead for the strategy said: “The impact of alcohol abuse is huge and it’s everybody’s business. It impacts on the health and wellbeing of our residents, the safety of our communities and the future success of our town centres and their night-time economies. It’s essential that all public bodies from across our region work together to tackle this scourge on our society.
