Latvia has recorded a 27% decline in deaths directly caused by alcohol in just five months following new restrictions on alcohol sales and promotions, potentially saving more than 60 lives.
“These early results show that when we take evidence-based action and implement it responsibly, we can save lives,” says Hosams Abu Meri, Latvia’s Minister of Health.
Introduced in August 2025, the measures include shorter retail sales hours, delayed online deliveries and restrictions on alcohol advertising, discounts and sales in gambling venues. Between August and December 2025, deaths from alcohol poisoning, alcohol-related liver disease and other conditions wholly attributable to alcohol fell significantly. The country has one of the highest alcohol consumption rates globally, at 14.2 litres per adult annually. Although the findings are preliminary, the early improvements suggest that limiting alcohol availability can help prevent avoidable deaths and offer a promising model for public health policies elsewhere.
