Binge Drinking Costs Ireland $3 Billion a Year

A new government report estimates that the fallout of binge drinking in Ireland -- health effects, drunk driving and alcohol-related crimes -- cost the country more than $3 billion in 2003.

The Strategic Task Force on Alcohol reported that the levels of binge drinking in Ireland are higher than any other European country. The report said each adult in Ireland on average spends about $2,400 a year on alcohol.

To combat the growing problem, the task force recommended higher taxes on alcohol, a limit of the number of outlets than can sell alcohol, and reducing alcohol advertising aimed at children, which protrays drinking as glamorous, fun and risk free.

See Also: The Costs of Alcohol Abuse