Alcohol can have a range of adverse effects on your physical and mental health and well-being.

Drinking too much alcohol can affect your mental health and lead to problems such as depression. It can also increase the risk of accidents and cause difficulties with relationships, work, and finances.

View more information about alcohol awareness

Licensing

The sale of alcohol is regulated under the Licensing Act 2003. Any premises that sells alcohol must have a licence issued by the local licensing authority.

View more information about a premises licence

When a licence application is submitted, the licensing authority consults a range of organisations known as "responsible authorities". These organisations can comment on or object to an application. One of these responsible authorities is the Director of Public Health, represented by the Health Protection Hub.

Any comments or objections received are considered by the licensing committee when deciding whether to grant the licence. This may result in conditions being added to the licence.

Alongside the formal licensing process, the Health Protection Hub works with licence holders to encourage measures that help reduce alcohol-related harm.