Westminster bans cheap high strength alcohol
Supermarkets and off-licences in Westminster have agreed to strip their shelves of high strength lager and cider in areas with a street drinking problem.
Waitrose, Tesco, Londis, Budgens and Threshers are among the stores who have agreed to stop selling brands such as Carlsberg Special Brew, Tennants Extra and Diamond White.
Westminster council hopes the voluntary scheme, operating in 25 premises in Marylebone High Street, Victoria and Pimlico, will help to discourage street drinkers and the associated problems such as drug dealing, begging and street urination.
The scheme in Marylebone High Street has already led to a 50% reduction in police having to confiscate alcohol.
Councillor Audrey Lewis said that supermarkets were willing to take part if they knew their competitors would be doing the same.
"Cheap, super-strength alcohol is aimed at alcoholics, drug users and some of the most vulnerable and needy members of society," she said.
"This scheme has drastically reduced the number of street drinkers in these areas, and while it is by no means a panacea, it is a valuable common sense tool local authorities can use to help tackle not just street drinking itself, but also help improve the quality of life for all residents and visitors."
Restrictions
Sir Simon Milton, leader of Westminster City Council, and also chair of the Local Government Association, added: "We should be treating the sale of alcohol in the same way we treat tobacco with all the relevant pricing restraints and health warnings.
"The Government needs to get a proper handle on this and come up with a robust national policy to deal what is a rapidly growing problem.
"It is also high time for the drinks industry to accept its own moral obligations."
