New toolkit helps Local Authorities test Government theory on licensing reforms

12th April 2005

Whilst the debate about whether the Licensing Act 2003 will improve or harm local communities rages on, Alcohol Concern have devised a toolkit which will allow Local Authorities to answer this question in their local area.

The toolkit highlights a variety of sources of information including Accident and Emergency Departments, Police statistics and reports from Enforcement Officers, which can be used to measure the impact of extended opening hours. It has been compiled with assistance from a variety of experts in Licensing from local authorities, police and health and was funded by a grant from the Alcohol Education Research Council.

Srabani Sen, Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern said today

?Our Licensing toolkit is a chance for Local Authorities to see for themselves how the licensing changes are affecting their local community. It offers an easy step by step guide to finding relevant local statistics on the wide range of issues which are affected by late night drinking. This information will be vital to make sure that their Licensing Policies are working for the local community and where they are not; this information gives a strong evidential base on which to propose changes.?

The Licensing Toolkit is available at www.licensingtoolkit.org.uk

ENDS

For more information, contact Anne Jenkins, Alcohol Concern press office, on 020 7928 7377.

Notes to the editor

· Alcohol Concern is the national agency on alcohol misuse. We work to reduce the incidence and costs of alcohol-related harm and to increase the range and quality of services available to people with alcohol-related problems. We provide information and encourage debate on the wide range of public policy issues affected by alcohol, including public health, housing, children and families, crime and licensing.

Date: 12 April 2005