Changes in Licensing Law in England and Wales and Alcohol-Related Mortality

Abstract

Objective–To examine trends in alcohol-related mortality before and after the 1988 amendments to the Licensing Act in England & Wales.Design–A population-based study where the population of England & Wales was 'exposed' to a change in licensing law and the population of Scotland was 'unexposed'.Selling–Great Britain. Mortality data for England & Wales were collected for five 1CD categories of alcohol-related illness over twelve years (1980-1991) and compared with control data obtained from Scotland.Results–Mortality rates from chronic liver disease and cirrhosis (ICD 571), pancreatitis (ICD 577) and alcohol dependence or psychosis (ICD 303 & ICD 291) appeared to be unaffected by the extension of opening hours. Deaths from alcoholic poisoning (ICD E860) in England & Wales increased slightly after 1988, but this coincided with a large decrease in Scottish figures, and is therefore difficult to interpret unequivocally.Conclusion–Overall, there was no clear evidence of a significant increase in alcohol-relate...