By Ian Neubauer
The Public Health Association (PHA) has joined the chorus calling for shorter trading hours and increased alcohol taxation following its publication of a study that shows increases in the number of alcohol-induced admissions.
Published this week in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, the report shows a 143 per cent increase in the number of alcohol-induced admissions for females aged 18 to 24 over the past seven years, and substantial increases in the admission of males in the same age bracket.
"The hospital and emergency data shows substantial increases in harm for young people between 16 and 24, and particularly sharp increases among females aged 18 to 24,” said PHA chief executive, Michael Moore.
“These findings are deeply concerning, suggesting that increasing numbers of young people are experiencing severe alcohol-related problems, like hospitalisation. The article discusses measures including increased alcohol taxation and reducing trading hours and numbers of premises as options to reduce harm that is supported by a large body of evidence,” Moore said.
Moore added the article was submitted to the agency well before the government implemented last month’s RTD tax hike, though commended it as a beneficial measure. He has also called on a complete ban on alcohol advertising.