People have been brewing and fermenting alcoholic drinks since the dawn of civilisation. Consumed in moderate amounts, alcoholic beverages are relaxing and in some cases may even have beneficial effects on heart health. Consumed in excess, alcohol is poisonous to human systems and is considered a drug.

Here are some sobering statistics: The NHS figures for England show 33% of men and 16% of women drink alcohol at levels that can harm their health. Alcoholics Anonymous says one adult in 13 is dependent on drink.