London, Oct.19 A report prepared by the charity Alcohol Concern has claimed that over 90,000 people will die over the next 10 years from drink unless cheap alcohol is banned.

According to Sky News, Alcohol Concern has issued this sobering warning after its latest research found drink-related deaths have trebled in Britain over the last 25 years from 3,054 in 1984 to 8,999 in 2008.

To combat the problem, it proposes banning cheap booze by forcing suppliers to charge at least 50p per unit.

Doing so would substantially reduce hospital admissions, crime and absence from work, the report claims.

Research by the University of the West of England used by Alcohol Concern found there would be 90,800 deaths linked to drink by 2019 if current consumption continues.

"The UK has been experiencing an epidemic of alcohol-related health and social problems that is remarkable by international standards," Sky News quoted the report's lead author, Professor Martin Plant, as saying.

The findings coincide with a new drive to reduce binge drinking in Greater Manchester, where the problem is particularly acute.

Councils in the area are actively considering a minimum price for booze sold in its pubs, clubs and supermarkets.

Police there have just begun a clampdown on licensees and bar staff who illegally serve people who are already drunk.

But although binge drinking is usually blamed on the younger generations, Alcohol Concern has revealed the steepest rise in alcohol-related deaths is among the 55 to 74-year-olds. (ANI)