Working with researchers at the Centre for Public Health at John Moore’s University in Liverpool, a survey of alcohol consumption in Greater Manchester was undertaken.

The survey found that most people in Greater Manchester are low-risk drinkers (68%), although there is a small group (9%) of higher risk drinkers who drink an average of 96 units a week. Findings from the report show that the home is the most common location for alcohol consumption.

The burden of alcohol related harm and ill-health is recognised as a public health priority by the Greater Manchester Health Commission, who tasked the Greater Manchester Public Health Practice Unit to identify a meaningful mechanism to measure the level of alcohol consumption.

Councillor Cliff Morris, Chair of the Greater Manchester Health Commission, said: “These findings are important to our overall understanding of consumption patterns and give us some more valuable information improving people’s health.

“We know that there is work still to do in tackling excessive alcohol consumption in Greater Manchester and we are continuing to work with other parts of the country to tackle something that ruins the quality of many people’s lives. This latest information will further help to shape our discussions and future plans for a healthier Greater Manchester.”

The report says that life expectancy in rich and poor areas is widening. Life expectancy in England is now 77.9 years for men and 82 years for women but in poor areas this falls to 75.8 and 80.4 years respectively. This means that from 1995-97 to 2006-08 the life expectancy gap grew by 7% for men and 14% for women.

Greater Manchester has some of the worst life expectancy and health inequalities in the country. And the Greater Manchester Health Commission is now providing the leadership – with some progress already made on improving life expectancy in the city region – to tackle these challenges.

Greater Manchester Health Commission Chair, Councillor Cliff Morris, said: “The national problem of health inequalities is particularly acute in Greater Manchester and we are determined get to grips with the problem.

“We’re committed to improving the lives of the two million people in Greater Manchester, and the current health problems that exist across the city region are simply unacceptable. The things that impact on both how long someone lives and the quality of a person’s health include issues such as obesity, alcohol, tobacco and wider factors including opportunities to work. These are precisely the points being picked up by the Greater Manchester Health Commission, and we welcome the fact that this key issue is being raised again.”

With retailers offering cheap alcohol promotions in the run up to the World Cup sometimes fuelling domestic violence, the campaign sees councils, Greater Manchester Police, the Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline and the Greater Manchester Public Health Network urging domestic abuse victims, their friends and families as well as those committing the abuse to seek help and support.

Research shows that cases of domestic abuse increase by nearly 30 per cent during some previous England football matches.

A series of posters incorporating images of a football shirt, a remote control and a broken beer bottle are being displayed in hospitals, doctors’ surgeries and licensed premises, while adverts are running on buses across Greater Manchester.

Information cards are also being distributed, providing domestic abuse victims, their friends and families and the perpetrators themselves with some key contact numbers for support services.

Councillor Cliff Morris, Chair of the Greater Manchester Health Commission, said: “Domestic violence is totally unacceptable, and using the excuse that it takes place under the influence of cheap alcohol is no excuse whatsoever. The effects of cheap alcohol are both immediate, in terms of filling A and E departments unnecessarily, and in terms of the longer-term health effects on the people of Greater Manchester.

“We want to drive home the message that domestic violence, experienced by both men and women, can have catastrophic consequences for their physical and mental health. Domestic violence is a serious public health issue and we want people to know that help and support is available in this region.”

For more information about those services available to help stop domestic abuse, people can visit: www.endthefear.co.uk. Those responsible can also get help to stop by contacting the Respect Phoneline: 0845 122 8609.

The recommendation from NICE is in guidance on reducing the harm from excessive drinking and backs proposals for the introduction of a minimum price for alcohol – a policy the Greater Manchester Health Commission supports.

The minimum pricing plan is aimed at reducing the consumption of alcohol, in particular harmful drinking. Minimum pricing would target alcohol which is being sold at extremely cheap prices per unit and drinking promotions that can lead to anti-social behaviour.

Research shows that as the price of alcohol rises, consumption falls. Other benefits from introducing minimum pricing would include reductions in violent crime and workplace absence.

Councillor Cliff Morris, Chair of the Greater Manchester Health Commission, said: “The announcement and guidance from NICE is welcome news. The cost to the quality of life in Greater Manchester is already huge and rising.

“The introduction of a minimum price for alcohol – which the Greater Manchester Health Commission initially highlighted last year – would go a long way to improving the health of people across Greater Manchester.

“The misuse of alcohol in our region can cause real social and health problems, both for individuals and for our communities. These proposals would go a long way towards reducing harmful alcohol use.”