Jersey has one of Europe’s worst alcohol problems

Jersey has “one of the worst drinking problems in Europe”, with one in 25 Islanders dependent on alcohol, a body which protects at-risk adults has revealed

Earlier this month, The Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board published a Serious Case Review, which revealed an alcoholic lay dead in his house for months before being found.

Independent chair of the Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board, Glenys Johnston OBE, who published the review, told ITV the man – referred to as Mr. Arthur – is one of 4,000 people in Jersey who are alcohol dependent, equivalent to one in 25.

Johnston said: “The alcoholism had a devastating impact on Mr Arthur’s life. Given the high rates of alcoholism in Jersey, it is essential that public note the risks associated with drinking and that agencies take on board the learning from this review and implement the recommendations so that similar suffering and loss of life can be avoided.”

Last year, plans to increase duty on spirits by 21.7p per litre in Jersey were welcomed by a medical officer of health.