DUBLIN, Ireland, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Ireland has earned the dubious distinction of being Europe's worst binge drinking nation, with an economic consequence of more than $3 billion last year,
A new study says on average, each adult in Ireland spent nearly $2,400 on alcohol last year.
In recent years however, government and health experts have encouraged drinkers to take a sober look at the harm caused by alcohol abuse, the BBC reported Wednesday.
The Strategic Task Force on Alcohol, which was asked to look into the issue by the Irish government, estimates the health effects of alcohol, drunken driving and alcohol-related crime cost Irish society more than $3 billion in 2003.
The task force recommends a range of measures including higher taxes on alcoholic beverages, limiting the number of outlets selling alcohol, and reducing the exposure of children to alcohol advertising.
