Majority blame drunks for crime

By Matt Eley Matt

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Cent Alcoholic beverage Drinking culture

Nine out of 10 people believe that drunkenness contributes to the levels of crime near to where they live. The figure was revealed as part of the...

Nine out of 10 people believe that drunkenness contributes to the levels of crime near to where they live.

The figure was revealed as part of the government's consultation on its plans to introduce a mandatory code of practice on the drinks industry.

Details of the code were revealed last week and include bans on "irresponsible" drinks promotions, making a wider choice of drinks measures available in pubs and also ensuring free tap water is available to pubs.

The government carried out a number of workshops across the country and a survey of 1,700 people aged over 18 before finalising its plans.

In the report, which is available on the Home Office website, it is revealed that there is a strong public perception of a link between alcohol and crime.

The report states: "Of those who report at least some extent of crime and disorder problem in their local area an overwhelming majority (91 per cent) believes that alcohol and drunkenness contributes to the problem."

It adds: "Alcohol-related crime and disorder appears to impact on the lives of a sizable majority of respondents; just over a quarter (27 per cent) say they avoid particular local areas because of it."

However the vast majority - 71 per cent - do not avoid areas because of the issue.

The results also reveal that 28 per cent of people drink in a licensed premises once or twice a week, with 33 per cent visiting once of twice a month. Of those the vast majority - 61 per cent - go to the pub.

In contrast 27 per cent buy alcohol from the off-trade once a week.

With regards to promotions, 61 per cent of those surveyed said they believe they lead to people drinking more.

However 70 per cent said displaying units and health information would make no difference to drinking levels in the UK.

But they were keen on tough sales restrictions with 83 per cent saying Challenge 21 should be a mandatory requirement.

In a foreword to the consultation results Home Secretary Alan Johnson praised initiatives such as Best Bar None and Pubwatch.

But he added: "A small number of alcohol retailers continue to run the types of promotions and practices that can clearly contribute to crime and disorder. This must stop. This consultation received over 7,000 responses on a number of proposed changes to how alcohol should be sold. The consultation found strong support for a number of measures

If approved by Parliament parts of the code will be in force by April with more to follow in October.

Related topics Licensing law

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