"For the past 58 years… we caused you indescribable anxiety and burden," Mr Tsuda said.

"Within the Russian military, complaints have reportedly surfaced that the North Korean troops, due to their lack of knowledge about drones, are more of a burden than an asset," he added.

This premium is meant to cover the administrative burden of identifying patients and pursuing payment.

The alliance predicts further rises in deaths from alcohol "and an ever greater burden on our healthcare system and society".

However, unlike large retailers, they noted that their profit margins were shrinking as they absorbed costs instead of passing the full burden onto consumers.