Liverpool sets out six-year plan to reduce alcohol-related harm

Liverpool has launched a new city-wide strategy to prevent alcohol-related harm, widen access to treatment and provide earlier support for people at risk.

The Alcohol Strategy 2026–2032 is supported by an additional £70 million of ring-fenced government funding over three years for local drug and alcohol prevention, treatment and recovery services. Its five priorities include earlier intervention, stronger treatment and recovery support, safer communities and greater protection for children and families.

The city is building on signs of improvement. Alcohol-specific hospital admissions across all age groups are now 15% below their 2019/20 peak, while the gap between Liverpool and the national rate for under-18 admissions has narrowed by 82%.

Treatment access has also increased, with 838 more people receiving alcohol support during the past year. The River Drug and Alcohol Service has recruited an additional 130 workers, helping to reduce caseloads and expand specialist support for adults, families and young people.

Despite the progress, alcohol-related harm remains higher in Liverpool than in many other parts of England, with the greatest effects often felt in deprived communities. The strategy, shaped by more than 500 residents, professionals and community organisations, will treat the issue as a wider challenge affecting health, housing, employment, family life and community safety.

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