Hospitals across Liverpool are introducing a new Zero Alcohol Policy as part of a wider partnership aimed at reducing alcohol related harm, improving patient safety and supporting recovery. The policy follows the success of the Hospital Watch initiative, which has seen alcohol refusal rates near hospital sites more than double after work with local retailers. Health leaders say the approach combines firm rules with specialist support for people living with alcohol dependence.
Hospitals across Liverpool have introduced a new zero-alcohol policy designed to reduce alcohol-related harm and foster safer environments for patients, visitors, staff, volunteers, and contractors. This initiative is a component of the broader Hospital Watch partnership, which is spearheaded by Liverpool City Council and various National Health Service organizations. The University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, which encompasses Aintree, Broadgreen, Liverpool Heart and Chest, Liverpool Women’s, the Royal, and community services, is adopting this policy to address safety concerns regarding alcohol availability near hospital sites and the associated risks during treatment and recovery.
Under the new policy, alcohol will generally not be permitted on hospital premises. While the hospitals will maintain limited clinical exceptions for specific circumstances, the primary mandate is to restrict alcohol presence entirely. The development of the policy was driven by concerns about alcohol access in proximity to these facilities and the potential negative impact of such access on individuals seeking care. To ensure the initiative is effective, the hospitals are employing a comprehensive strategy that includes staff training, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration with local licensed retailers to discourage alcohol sales to hospital patients.
Test purchases, which involved volunteers posing as patients to attempt to purchase alcohol, have already yielded positive results. These exercises revealed that refusal rates for alcohol sales increased significantly from approximately one-third before the implementation of the initiative to four-fifths after it was introduced. Public reception has also been favorable, with survey results indicating strong backing for the partnership’s approach. Recognizing that alcohol dependence is a serious medical condition requiring compassionate care, health leaders have ensured the policy includes robust support.
Specialist assessment, withdrawal support, and referrals remain available through hospital alcohol care teams. Staff have been trained to provide appropriate advice and support for those in need, ensuring the policy focuses on both safety and the wellbeing of individuals affected by alcohol use.
