Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet has approved a new strategy to help people live healthier lives, support families and reduce the harm caused by alcohol use.
The Liverpool Alcohol Strategy 2026-2032 has been shaped by more than 500 residents, community groups, professionals and organisations from across the city.
It recognises that for many people, enjoying a sociable drink is a part of life and that Liverpool’s pubs, bars, restaurants and venues play an important role in bringing people together. From meeting friends and celebrating milestones to enjoying live music and sporting events, the city’s vibrant hospitality and nightlife sectors help people connect, socialise and enjoy everything Liverpool has to offer.
At the same time, alcohol-related harm can have a serious impact on people’s health, relationships, finances and wellbeing. It can also affect families and communities, with the greatest harms often seen in the city’s most deprived neighbourhoods.
The strategy sets out a range of actions to reduce alcohol-related harm, including prevention and early intervention, improved treatment and recovery services, support for families, action to tackle alcohol-related crime and antisocial behaviour, and stronger partnership working to address illegal alcohol sales and other activity that puts communities at risk.
Liverpool has already seen encouraging progress in reducing alcohol-related harm and supporting people affected by alcohol misuse, providing a strong foundation for further action through the new strategy.
More young people are choosing not to drink regularly, with 92% of 14 to 17-year-olds now saying they never drink or drink less than once a month, up from around 80% in 2023.
Alcohol-related hospital admissions among under-18s have also fallen significantly, while more people are accessing alcohol treatment and support services than ever before.
Over the past year, an additional 838 people accessed alcohol treatment, and more people are successfully staying in treatment and recovery. Treatment outcomes have improved, with 88% of people receiving support for alcohol and non-opiate drug use remaining in effective treatment, up from 75% the previous year.
The strategy is supported by £70 million of ring-fenced Government funding over three years, helping Liverpool expand prevention, treatment and recovery services.
The investment has enabled River Drug and Alcohol Service to recruit an additional 130 staff, helping more people access support earlier and receive more personalised care. It has also funded specialist referral-only health support through University Hospital Liverpool Group and strengthened referral-based housing and recovery support for people at risk of homelessness through the Whitechapel Centre.
The strategy focuses on five priorities:
- Prevention and early intervention
- Treatment and recovery
- Keeping communities safe
- Protecting children, young people and families
- Using evidence-based policy approaches to reduce alcohol-related harm, including support for measures such as Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP).
Future work will include improving public understanding of alcohol-related risk, strengthening support for people with alcohol and mental health needs, expanding whole-family approaches and taking action to reduce alcohol-related harm, helping people feel safer and supported in their communities.
Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said: “Liverpool is already seeing encouraging progress, with fewer young people drinking regularly and more people getting the support they need.
“Our hospitality and nightlife sectors are a huge part of what makes Liverpool a great place to live, visit and socialise. We want people to continue enjoying those experiences safely while making sure support is available for anyone whose drinking is affecting their health, wellbeing or family life.
“This strategy is backed by significant investment and gives us a clear plan to prevent harm, support recovery and help more people live healthy, fulfilling lives.”
Professor Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council, said: “Alcohol harm is not inevitable. We know that with the right environments, support, information, and services, people can make positive changes and communities can thrive.
“We’re already seeing signs of progress across Liverpool, but we also know that too many people are still affected by alcohol-related harm.
“This strategy sets out how we will build on what is working, improve access to support and work with communities and partners across the city to reduce harm and improve health.”
Supporting communities to lead change
Reducing alcohol-related harm is not something services can do alone.
Communities play a vital role in creating supportive environments where people can connect, socialise and thrive. Across Liverpool, community organisations, peer support networks, recovery groups, sports clubs, cultural organisations and local businesses continue helping people build healthier lives and stronger social connections.
The strategy recognises the value of these local strengths and will continue to support community-led approaches that reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and make it easier for people to access help when they need it.
By working together with residents, community organisations, health services, businesses and partners, Liverpool aims to build a city where people can enjoy everything the city has to offer while reducing the harms associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
Where to get support
If you or someone you know is worried about their drinking, help is available.
River Liverpool Drug and Alcohol Support Service
Free, confidential support for adults experiencing difficulties with alcohol or drugs. You can walk into any of their hubs across Liverpool or contact the service directly.
Phone: 0151 706 7888
Visit: www.changegrowlive.org/service/liverpool
