Government crack down on irresponsible drinking

Pubs and clubs are facing a major crackdown on irresponsible drinking after the government announced a 10 per cent rise in violent crime.

The Home Office is to launch a blitz style attack on premises, focusing on the problem of under age drinkers.

Over an eight week spell starting in June pubs and clubs and will be named and shamed if they are found serving anyone under age and landlords could lose their licence.

Sting operations will see police target under age drinkers in a bid to cut down on the outbreaks of violence on the streets.

The call comes after police raised fears over the growing number of alcohol related crimes in the UK. The Home Office statistics reveal that half the incidents contributing to the rise in violent crime were said to be alcohol induced.

During the last twelve months 1.2 million violent crimes are said to be alcohol related while 70 per cent of people needing treatment in casualty had been drinking.

Home secretary David Blunkett has selected Paul Evans, the former Boston Police chief, to over see the offensive, which will target cities and urban centres.

Mr Evans ran a campaign in America that reduced the number of underage drinking.

Mr Blunkett said: "It is 16-25 year olds who are most likely to be the subject of violence. It is about changing the culture and the way we behave."

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