B.C.'s alcohol consumption on the rise again, says UVic study

British Columbiansdrank their way to the largest increase in alcohol consumption in more than a decadeaccording to a new study done by the University of Victoria.

"This is quite a noticeable change. It's about three per cent the total consumption has gone up in one year," said Dr. TimStockwell.

The University of Victoria's Centre for Addictions Research has been studying alcohol consumption for more than a decade.

By looking at the sale of alcohol in 2014/15, they found thatthe numbers show the average British Columbian drinks the equivalent of 528 bottles of beer or 100 bottles of wine per year.

The research team says the rising level of alcohol consumption could be linked to the recent liquor reforms.

"We can't be certain, but it won't have helped that the liquor laws have beenrelaxingavailability and improving affordability withhappyhours and the like," said Stockwell.

The research team estimates the increase in consumption translates into an extra 655 hospital admissions and 31 deaths in B.C.

While the rate of drinking is increasing after several years of decline, the total amount drunk remains below the average consumption recorded in 2007 by the researchers, following the expansion of private liquor stores in B.C.

To hear the full interview listen to the audio labelledAlcohol consumption up in B.C. on the CBC's The Early Edition.