More co-ordinated approach needed in fight to reduce alcohol related crime

Tuesday 1st March 2005

Alcohol Concern today called on the Government to introduce an ?Alcohol Tsar? in the fight to reduce the harm caused by problem drinking. In their response to the Government document ?Drinking Responsibly?, Alcohol Concern argue that the new ideas will achieve little unless a more co-ordinated approach is taken overall. The introduction of a ?Tsar? would provide oversight of the different Government Departments that need to take action as well as help to drive forward the largely stalled National Alcohol Strategy.

Srabani Sen, Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern, said: ?If the Government is serious about achieving genuine change around alcohol it needs to put in place a Tsar to pull together all the different threads of policy. That is the only way we can tackle the causes of alcohol-related harm rather than just symptoms and drive through the real changes that are needed?.

Other points raised by Alcohol Concern include:
· Welcoming the tougher stance on pubs and clubs and on underage sales
· Calling for the Department of Health to play a role in tackling problem drinking patterns
· Balancing the influence of the Drinks Industry with more independent voices


For a complete copy of the response see http://www.alcoholconcern.org.uk/doc/905
ENDS

For press enquiries please contact the Alcohol Concern Press Office on 020 7928 7377 or email press@alcoholconcern.org.uk.

Notes to editors

Alcohol Concern is the national agency working to reduce alcohol related harm in society. We campaign for action on alcohol misuse, making recommendations to key policy makers and professionals. We also help develop the level and quality of alcohol services available to problem drinkers and their families.

Date: 01 March 2005