Conservative Party - 5 point binge drinking plan does not go far enough

Tuesday 19th April 2005

Alcohol Concern today welcomed the Conservative Party?s plans to tackle binge-drinking, but called for them to be less one sided.

Commenting on Conservative Party?s Five Point Plan to tackle binge-drinking, Chief Executive Srabani Sen said: ?Levels of binge-drinking are worryingly high, and it is right that we should concentrate on reversing this trend. We wholeheartedly support Conservative proposals to end ?all you can drink? promotions. We also welcome the call for more police officers and to allow local authorities to use licensing laws as a way of curbing late night problem drinking.

?However, slamming down on binge drinkers is only part of the solution. We need to raise much greater awareness of the damage of binge drinking to people?s well being; provide information at the point of sale about safe drinking; and increase the price of alcohol to help discourage excessive drinking. We need to make sure that back up services are available in areas with high concentrations of pubs and clubs, such as transport.?

ENDS

For press enquiries please contact Anne Jenkins at the Alcohol Concern press office on 020 7928 7377 (9 am ? 5 pm) 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.
· 26% of women and 37% of men between the ages of 16 and 24 binge drink according t the General Household Survey (2003).

Date: 19 April 2005