Liverpool City Council has launched its Alcohol Strategy 2026-2032, shaped by feedback from more than 500 residents, community groups, professionals and organisations across the city. The strategy aims to reduce alcohol-related harm while supporting healthy, vibrant communities.
Professor Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council, outlined the approach in the council's announcement. Alcohol-related harm remains higher in Liverpool than many other parts of the country, contributing to poor physical and mental health, crime, antisocial behaviour and family breakdown. The harms are not experienced equally, with people in the most deprived communities often facing the greatest impact.
Recent progress in reducing harm
Liverpool has seen significant improvements in recent years. Among 14 to 17-year-olds, the proportion who never drink or drink less than once a month increased from around 80% in 2023 to 92% in 2026.
Under-18 alcohol-specific hospital admissions have improved substantially. The gap between Liverpool and the England average narrowed from 23.1 to 4.3 admissions per 100,000 population — an 82% reduction. Alcohol-specific admissions across all ages continue to decline and are now 15% lower than the peak recorded in 2019/20.
Alcohol-related deaths are also declining, and more people are accessing treatment and support while successfully remaining in recovery.
Investment in treatment services
The strategy is supported by an additional £70 million of ring-fenced Government funding over three years to strengthen Liverpool's drug and alcohol prevention, treatment and recovery services.
Change Grow Live has expanded the River Drug and Alcohol Service workforce by 130 staff members, increasing specialist capacity across adult, family, young people's and outreach services. The investment has also expanded access to clinical interventions, including naloxone and long-acting prescribing options.
In the last year, 838 more people accessed alcohol treatment services. This was driven by a 47% increase in people seeking support for alcohol-related issues and a 68% increase in people needing help with both alcohol and other drug use.
Key worker caseloads have reduced, allowing for more personalised support. Treatment outcomes have improved, with 88% of people receiving support for alcohol and non-opiate drug use remaining in effective treatment, compared with 75% in the previous year.
New initiatives and services
University Hospital Liverpool Group has established specialist community-based support to improve screening and interventions for liver, lung, heart and kidney health. A multi-disciplinary pilot has already screened more than 700 people and connected them with appropriate healthcare services.
Licensed venues have received drink-spiking prevention training and testing kits. The promotion of the NHS Drink Free Days app has helped residents understand and manage their drinking. Licensed premises have also received training on age verification, responsible retailing and alcohol legislation.
The Whitechapel Centre has expanded support for people experiencing homelessness, helping around 220 people over the past year to sustain tenancies.