LEVELS of binge drinking are significantly higher in York than the rest of the country, new figures from Public Health England (PHE) have shown.

York is rated as significantly worse than the national average for the estimated levels of binge drinking, which is defined as more than eight units of alcohol for men and six for women, with 29.7 per cent of the York population compared to the national average of 20.1 per cent.

However York is rated as not significantly different to the national average for alcohol specific and alcohol related mortality, mortality from chronic liver disease and the estimated number of abstainers.

And the city is rated as significantly better than the national average for alcohol specific admissions to hospital for both under 18, which is 36 per cent lower and males, which is 24 per cent lower, alcohol related hospital admissions for both males and females and hospital admissions for alcohol related conditions.

Cllr Linsay Cunningham-Cross, City of York Council’s cabinet member for health and community engagement said: "The level of details presented in the data published by Public Health England is an excellent opportunity for City of York Council to understand more about what needs to be done in which specific areas of alcohol awareness.

The level of binge drinking in York needs to be addressed. City of York Council will continue to work to help reduce the devastating harm that alcohol can cause to individuals, families and communities."