Alcohol Pricing in Spotlight

A measure that could cut alcohol-related hospital admissions and deaths will be discussed at a community meeting next week.

The impact of Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) will be explored at the Riverside Community Area Forum.

A proposed minimum price of 50p per unit of alcohol - as is the case in Scotland - would target those most at risk and would mean that the cost of the cheapest, strongest shop-bought alcohol such as cider would go up. Prices in bars and restaurants would be unaffected.

Cllr Sheila Stephenson, Vice-Chair of the Riverside CAF, said: "Alcohol is a major health challenge in South Tyneside.

"Every year, around 50 adults die because of alcohol consumption and we have the highest rate in England of alcohol-specific hospital admissions in under 18s.

"We need to look at all measures which could potentially reduce the harm alcohol causes in the Borough. I'm keen to hear more about MUP and would encourage residents to come along to learn more too."

There will also be an update on fire safety in the borough's four residential tower blocks, including the retro-fitting of sprinklers in the wake of the Grenfell disaster.

The meeting will be held at 10am on Tuesday March 10 in South Shields Town Hall. All are welcome.