Crackdown is starting to show results, but there's much more to do

8th February 2006

Alcohol Concern today welcomed new figures showing a reduction in underage sales and alcohol-related crime, but warned that much more needs to be done to turn around the UK's dangerous drinking culture.

Commenting in response to the results of the Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign, Geethika Jayatilaka, Alcohol Concern's Director of Policy and Public Affairs, said:

"It's great that these figures show a reduction in the number of establishments caught selling alcohol to underage drinkers over recent weeks, but there is still a long way to go. Selling alcohol to under-18s is against the law - it's as simple as that - and the fact that there are still a significant number of underage sales is unacceptable. The drinks industry cannot be allowed to rest on their laurels now - they have to keep striving to put an end to illegal sales once and for all.

"We're also pleased to see indications that there has been a reduction in alcohol-related crime, however it is vital to ensure that this good work continues beyond the period of the latest crackdown and this means that these tough measures have to go hand in hand with a more pro-active approach to tackle the root causes of binge-drinking and prevent incidents of crime occurring in the first place. That must involve better alcohol education at every level and a focus on identifying individuals whose drinking is causing a problem and ensuring they get the support they need to deal with it. And, crucially, we need to see a genuine commitment from right across the drinks industry to maintaining the highest standards of responsibility when they're selling alcohol."

ENDS


For all enquiries, please contact Helen Symons on 020 7928 7377 or email press@alcoholconcern.org.uk. For out of hours press enquiries, please call 07866 063 013.

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: 08 February 2006