Tax alcohol more, says top doctor

England's top doctor has called for increased tax on alcohol 'to protect people's health' and backed a review of the new licensing act.

Chief Medical Officer for England, Sir Liam Donaldson, told the Daily Telegraph he would "strongly recommend" the use of tax as a deterrent to excessive drinking.

He also raised the issue of drink company sponsorship and said a ban should be considered on drinks companies sponsoring sporting activities and fitness-linked events.

In our culture, getting drunk is seen as an exciting and status thing to do. We need to try and get away from that.​Sir Liam Donaldson.

He said: "In our culture, getting drunk is seen as an exciting and status thing to do. We need to try and get away from that.​

"I worry about the overall problem of alcohol misuse, the rising levels of cirrhosis.

"Tobacco is a good example of a public health problem that is in hand, but when we turn to obesity and alcohol misuse those are not yet anywhere near under control."

Speaking about the new licensing laws Sir Liam said: "Some of us worried about the decision when it was brought in and any review of the policy would be welcome."​

His comments come just days after the Tories were slated for announcing they were considering an increase n alcohol tax.

They appeared to cool on the idea after an angry response from the trade pointed out that taxing alcohol would affect the on-trade significantly and drive more people to the supermarkets for cheap booze.