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Alcohol

A&E units 'overwhelmed'
by alcohol-related injuries

Last updated: 30 November 2007

Pint of beer

There has been a 16% increase in A&E admissions in London.

Accident and Emergency departments in London have seen alcohol-related admissions soar since all-day drinking laws were introduced.

In the year that 24-hour drinking rules began to operate, there were 16 per cent more admissions, leading some to blame the extended licensing hours for the increase.

The figures were obtained by the London Assembly Liberal Democrats. Spokesman Geoff Pope said: "Alcohol abuse is putting huge pressure on frontline NHS services. The huge rise in A&E admissions is just the tip of the iceberg."

A Government review of 24-hour alcohol licensing is expected to report in the New Year.