Binge drinkers forced to face up to consequences

Binge drinkers arrested for alcohol related offences in nine areas across the country will be forced to attend counselling sessions to confront their problems under a new Home Office scheme.

The Home Office has invested £1m in an alcohol referral project, which will see offenders referred to specialists to help them confront the consequences of their drinking.

Those with more serious problems, and who are given a conditional caution, can be referred for more in-depth advice. If they fail to attend, they can be prosecuted for the original offence.

The pilot scheme will take place in north-east Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Cleveland, Bristol, Swindon, Leicestershire and Rutland, Stoke on Trent, Cumbria and Islington. The new schemes are in addition to four existing ones at Liverpool, Manchester, Cheshire and Ealing

"Most people enjoy drinking sensibly but those who drink excessively and cause trouble should expect to face up to the consequences," said Home Office minister Alan Campbell.

"The alcohol arrest referral sessions are not an easy option. They aim to cut re-offending and so make our towns and city centres more pleasant places by making offenders realise their mistakes.

"Working with police and industry the Government will continue to do all it can to help ensure people can enjoy alcohol in a way that is safe, sensible and social."

Mike Craik, Association of Chief Police Officers lead for alcohol licensing added: "The importance of early intervention to break persistent offenders out of the cycle of drink-fuelled offending cannot be overstated."