Success of police alcohol crackdown questioned

Questions have been raised about the success of a police operation involving 3,000 officers that was billed as a major crackdown on alcohol-related crime.

In August, Greater Manchester Police arrested hundreds of people in raids at homes, pubs, bars and clubs in a bid to combat "rowdy behaviour" connected to alcohol.

However, figures have revealed that of the 703 people arrested only 296 (42 per cent) were charged with any offences. The rest were either released or dealt with by penalty charge notices.

It is not known how many of those charged have been been dealt with by the courts.

Lee Le Clercq, regional secretary of the British Beer & Pub Association North, said: "One would have thought that evidence for arresting 703 people would have been robust enough to see a large proportion of them facing a court.

"However, it now seems this wasn't the case and we have to be disappointed and left wondering whether this was just a very expensive public relations exercise by Greater Manchester Police."

But the police defended the operation, which it said also involves encouraging sensible drinking.

Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan said: "This was a major operation for the force and I am pleased with the results we achieved but of course the work continues.

"We are committed to making our town and city centres safer and working with the public, parents and licensees we are determined to build upon the success of this operation by further reducing violent crime and giving people the confidence to enjoy their town centres without fear of being assaulted."