Liverpool City Council's Cabinet has approved the Liverpool Alcohol Strategy 2026-2032, a new plan shaped by more than 500 residents, community groups, professionals and organisations across the city. The strategy aims to reduce alcohol-related harm while recognising that pubs, bars, restaurants and venues play an important role in bringing people together.
The council acknowledges that excessive alcohol use can have serious consequences for health, relationships, finances and wellbeing, with the greatest harms often seen in the city's most deprived neighbourhoods. The strategy sets out actions to prevent and intervene early, improve treatment and recovery services, support families, tackle alcohol-related crime and antisocial behaviour, and address illegal alcohol sales.
Progress Already Seen in Liverpool
Liverpool has recorded encouraging progress in reducing alcohol-related harm. More young people are choosing not to drink regularly: 92% of 14 to 17-year-olds now say they never drink or drink less than once a month, up from around 80% in 2023. Alcohol-related hospital admissions among under-18s have also fallen significantly.
More people are accessing alcohol treatment and support services than ever before. Over the past year, an additional 838 people accessed alcohol treatment, and more people are successfully staying in treatment and recovery. Treatment outcomes have improved, with 88% of people receiving support for alcohol and non-opiate drug use remaining in effective treatment, up from 75% the previous year.
Expansion of Support Services
The strategy is supported by government funding over three years. The investment has enabled River Drug and Alcohol Service to recruit an additional 130 staff, helping more people access support earlier and receive more personalised care.
Funding has also provided specialist referral-only health support through University Hospital Liverpool Group and strengthened referral-based housing and recovery support for people at risk of homelessness through the Whitechapel Centre.
Five Key Priorities
The strategy focuses on: prevention and early intervention; treatment and recovery; keeping communities safe; protecting children, young people and families; and using evidence-based policy approaches to reduce alcohol-related harm, including support for Minimum Unit Pricing.
Future work will include improving public understanding of alcohol-related risk, strengthening support for people with alcohol and mental health needs, expanding whole-family approaches and taking action to reduce alcohol-related harm.
Get Support
If you or someone you know is worried about their drinking, free confidential support is available through River Liverpool Drug and Alcohol Support Service. Walk into any of their hubs across Liverpool or phone 0151 706 7888. Visit www.changegrowlive.org/service/liverpool for more information.