30 Jul 2013

Council warned of cost of alcohol to Christchurch

6:59 pm on 30 July 2013

Christchurch City Council has been told that alcohol abuse takes a huge toll on the finances and health of the region each year.

The Council is hearing submissions on a draft alcohol policy, which proposes that suburban bars close at 1am and that central city bars close at 1am - with a one-way door from 1am.

Senior Medical Staff Association chair Ruth Spearing, gave her support to the proposed new restrictions.

She said a 10-year study showed 49% of all facial fractures were caused by alcohol abuse.

Dr Spearing said the direct cost of alcohol to Christchurch hospital is $27 million per year and $63 million to the city's wider health service.