Policy Exchange calls for binge drinkers to pay NHS costs of their treatment

The Policy Exchange think tank has calculated that direct costs to the NHS from alcohol misuse have increased from £1.5bn in 2001 to to £2.7bn in 2007. This reflects increasing alcohol consumption in the UK in comparison with reductions in other European countries.

The Policy Exchange report recommends, reports the Financial Times, "that people admitted to hospital for less than 24 hours with acute alcohol intoxication should be charged the NHS tariff cost for their admission of £532."

More at Policy Exchange.