Reports from the NHS that alcohol-related hospital admissions have more than doubled in the last twelve years reinforces the need to charge people admitted to hospital for alcohol related treatment, according to classical liberal think tank, Progressive Vision.

Shane Frith, director of Progressive Vision, said;

“These statistics should not be used to punish the vast majority of adults who enjoy alcohol without requiring hospital treatment. There is no excuse for increasing the power of the nanny state. 

“But those who harm themselves through irresponsible drinking should not leave the rest of us to pick up the bill.  Adults should be entitled to drink what they want, when they want – but they can’t expect the NHS to pay for it.

“Free access to unlimited healthcare inevitably breeds a culture of recklessness and irresponsibility.  Charging individuals for self-inflicted harm would save the taxpayer a small fortune and would also educate the irresponsible about the real costs of their behaviour.”