The true cost of binge drinking and alcohol abuse has been laid bare in NHS Blackpool's annual public health report.

More than 105,000 working days were lost in the resort during the last 12 months because of alcohol.

The impact of Blackpool's booze sicknote culture is having a devastating affect on resort businesses.

Hugh Evans, director of policy for North West Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: "The cost of time off work through misuse of alcohol is a major concern to business. But we are surprised by the extent of the problem as revealed in these figures. We would urge employers and support agencies to work more closely together in order to reduce this cost.

"Because, at the end of the day, everyone loses."

The public health report has also revealed 380 people state the main medical reason they claim benefits is alcoholism.

Coun Peter Callow, leader of Blackpool Council – one of Blackpool's biggest employers – described the figures as a "source of great concern".

He added: "Blackpool Council would take a very dim view if an employee phoned and said they could not come into work as a result of a hangover and I'm sure every Blackpool business would feel the same.

"We are well aware there is a problem with alcohol in Blackpool, however and, as a council we are taking steps to address it, clamping down on premises that sell to underage drinkers and we also have our saturation policy which aims to limit the number of bars and clubs in the town."

There are 1,900 licensed premises in Blackpool – one for every 72 residents.

Blackpool has the highest rate for deaths caused by alcohol and from chronic liver disease in the whole of England and booze-fuelled violence in the resort is also twice the national average.

And residents are not surprised the number of sick days in Blackpool is so high.

Staff from Blackpool Addiction Dependency Solutions say only a change in attitude towards booze will solve the problem.

Shughie Morrison, aftercare co-ordinator said: "I think the problem is the negative effects of alcohol are just accepted in Blackpool.

"Attitudes in Blackpool need to change towards alcohol in terms of what is accepted. Incidents of drunken violence, people urinating in the streets and missing work or not working because of alcohol should not be tolerated. A lot of people in the town drink to forget but need to take responsibility for their actions."

For the full story, pick up a copy of Tuesday's Gazette