New powers proposed to help communities tackle alcohol-related crime

Monday 20th June 2005

Commenting on today on the second reading of the Violent Crime Reduction Bill, Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern, Srabani Sen said ?Alcohol related violence has been a major issue for communities over the last few years and we are pleased to see the Government responding to these concerns.

?The Bill's proposals to be tougher on those caught selling alcohol to children is also to be welcomed in a society where young people are drinking more frequently and in larger quantities than ever.?

However, if the Government is serious about restoring "respect" to society, they must be more willing than they have been, to take action on the underlying drinking culture which fuels this sort of anti-social behaviour.

We are disappointed to see that there is no mention of national support for arrest referral schemes which have been useful in reducing rates of re-offending amongst problem drinkers?.

· Alcohol related violence accounts for just under half of all violent crime. (Cabinet Office Strategy Unit Alcohol Project, 2003)
· One in five violent crimes takes place in or around pubs and clubs; 70% of these incidents take place on weekend evenings. (Cabinet Office Strategy Unit Alcohol Project, 2003)
· In 2001 and 2002, 47% of all victims of violence described their assailant as being under the influence of alcohol at the time. (Flood-Page and Taylor, 2003)
· Approximately one third of incidents of partner violence occurred when the perpetrator had been drinking. (Cabinet Office Strategy Unit Alcohol Project, 2003)


For further information on Alcohol Concern?s response to the Violent Crime Reduction Bill see:

http://www.alcoholconcern.org.uk/servlets/doc/951

ENDS

For press enquiries please contact Anne Jenkins 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: 20 June 2005