THE number of young people ending up in hospital because of excessive drinking is much higher than previously thought.

Statistics which were published yesterday by the Department of Health showed 53,844 under-25s were admitted to hospital in England for problems or injuries triggered by drink in 2006-07.

This is well above the 32,928 alcohol-related admissions reported for the same year under old methodology, which did not include injuries from drink-fuelled accidents and violence.

The new figures take into account 44 conditions which research shows are caused by or linked to alcohol consumption. They include road traffic accidents and assaults as well as alcohol poisoning, liver disease and mental and behavioural disorders. It is estimated the NHS in England spends £2.7 billion each year on alcohol-related hospital admissions. Which helps put into perspective the row that has blown up after one club in Bournemouth has decided to sell spirits and beer on Monday nights for 80p. The worry is not only the effect this might have on those who frequent Lava and Ignite, but also whether the move will spark a price war in the town for the custom of hard-pressed punters. Police and council officials are unhappy with the club's owners Luminar Leisure for busting the voluntary price code, having worked hard themselves to sort out alcohol-related problems in the town. Luminar say business is in a crisis situation, a point with which Richard Carr for one would no doubt sympathise.

But I can see why those responsible for the town's good name think it's a cheap shot.