Alcohol Concern calls on the Government to make reality its ambition to cut binge-drinking

25th November 2005

?Hand over tougher powers to local decision-makers? says leading alcohol charity as new late drinking laws come into effect.

Commenting on the implementation of the Licensing Act (2003), Srabani Sen, Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern, said:

?The debate over new licensing laws has been contentious, and has been the subject of passionate debate in parliament, the media and in the public realm. But now the changes have been made, we need to make sure that it comes off with as little disruption as possible.

The aims of the law ? reducing binge-drinking and alcohol-related crime ? are to be welcomed, but our worry is that the reality won?t match the ambition. Staggering closing time, for example, may be a good way of reducing alcohol-related harm, but we are concerned that local authorities don?t have sufficient powers to make these decisions a reality.

We?re pleased the government is reviewing its licensing guidelines over the coming months ? they need to devolve real powers to local decision-makers, so they can make choices based on what it best for their local community.

It?s important that we recognise that on their own, these new laws are unlikely to change a drinking culture built up over centuries. We need to see a joined-up, proactive approach to changing the way we drink, with industry, government and other organisations working in partnership. This approach has to involve the drinks trade stepping up to the challenge of responsible practice, and government committing resources to a high profile public health awareness campaign.

What happens in practice now the law is in place depends in a large part on how responsible licensees really are. While some establishments are run responsibly, we know that too many pubs, bars and shops are selling to underage drinkers, and we?ve all seen irresponsible drinks promotions that encourage people to drink too much. We?re sending out a message to the drinks industry ? take this opportunity to commit to playing your part in reducing the damage done by drinking too much.?

ENDS


· A recent Department of Health report, Smoking, drinking and drug use amongst young people in England 2004 showed that among pupils surveyed (aged 11-15), 9 out of 10 of those who had attempted to buy alcohol illegally in pubs and bars had been able to do so, and almost three quarters of those who had tried to buy alcohol in a shop had been successful.

· The Home Office?s summer crackdown on alcohol crime hotspots found 52% of targeted on-license premises, 36% of targeted off-licenses and 48% of targeted supermarkets serving alcohol to children.

· Studies have shown that at peak times as many as 7 out of 10 admissions to A&E are related to alcohol. An average of 13 under-18s are admitted to hospital every day as a result of drinking too much.

· For all enquiries, please contact the Alcohol Concern Press Office on 020 7928 7377 or email press@alcoholconcern.org.uk. For out of hours press enquiries, please call 07866 063013.

Alcohol Concern is the national agency on alcohol misuse. We work to reduce the incidence and cost of alcohol-related harm and to increase the range and quality of services available to people with alcohol-related problems and their families.

Date: 25 November 2005