Risky drinkers: Glen Innes fourth in the state for excessive alcohol consumption

The town has ranked fourth-booziest in the state, with 27.2 per cent of the population sipping more than they should, a Mitchell Institute report reveals.

Tamworth wasn't far behind, with just more than 20 per cent of the population overdoing it.

The data was a surprise to Glen Innes Severn Council mayor Carol Sparks, who said the Community Drug Action Team had worked with pubs and clubs this year to reduce unsafe drinking.

"We have been proactive as council and our associated committees in trying to address the alcohol problem, but I didn't realise it was that serious," she said.

"I'm very concerned. I think the drought and bushfires have raised the anxiety in our area, and people do resort to having a drink if they're feeling stressed."

A risky alcohol intake was considered two standard drinks or more a day, at the time the survey took place.

This week, the National Health and Medical Research Council changed that to more than 10 standard drinks per week.

People who drink to excess are at higher risk of heart disease, stroke, liver disease, some cancers, depression, anxiety and dementia.

Alcohol-related illnesses cause about 5500 deaths and cost the economy more than $14 billion per year.

Regional NSW was the booziest place in the nation, taking out eight of the top spots.

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While there was the odd pub fight in Glen Innes, there had been no rise in alcohol-related crime, Cr Sparks said.

"We have had trouble in the past with domestic violence and I think a lot of that may have been fuelled by alcohol," she said.

"Our crime levels have been good lately because the policing has been very good. I guess we'll have to take note of this and work on it."

Gunnedah was just below Tamworth for excessive drinking.

There, 20.2 per cent of residents consumed more cold ones than recommended.

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