The rate of alcohol-related mortality in Scotland is substantially higher than other countries in the UK. Yet, data from self-report surveys generally show similar levels and patterns of alcohol consumption. Alcohol sales data enable a more objective estimate of alcohol
consumption and show higher population consumption levels in Scotland compared with
England & Wales. However, comparisons at country level can mask important regional
variations, with both consumption and harm likely to vary across different types of areas.
Estimates of self-reported consumption in northern English cities have been shown to be
comparable to similarly deprived Scottish urban areas, yet alcohol deaths were more than
twice as high in the latter. The aim of this brief report was to use alcohol retail sales data to
assess population levels of alcohol consumption in regions of Scotland and Northern
England, and to compare these with levels of alcohol-related mortality.