Former Drinkaware chair to head up Community Alcohol Partnerships

The former Drinkaware chair will be formally announced at a House of Lords event today hosted by his predecessor, Baroness Newlove of Warrington.

CAP brings together local retailers and licensees, trading standards, police, health services, education providers and others to tackle the problem of underage drinking and alcohol fuelled disorder. CAPs have now been established in over 60 locations across the UK.

The scheme is set for rapid expansion over the next few years with Lewis leading the board and CAP team in agreeing a new three-year business plan. The aim is to increase the number of CAPs including in areas of high harm, such as the recently announced Local Alcohol Action Areas.

Baroness Newlove - who steps down after almost three years in the role – said: “It has been a privilege to lead the Community Alcohol Partnerships programme.

“In that time, CAP has become an established and proven solution to reducing underage drinking and associated harm to local communities. Derek Lewis is well qualified to lead the growth of CAP at this exciting time and I wish him every success in this important role.”

Derek Lewis responded: “I am delighted and am very much looking to working with the CAP board to oversee the next phase in the development of this impressive and important initiative.

“I want to help CAP to build on its impressive track record and harness its full potential to improve communities up and down the country that are blighted by underage drinking and its consequences.”

Miles Beale, Chief Executive of CAP said: “I am delighted that Derek Lewis will join CAP at this crucial moment in its development. His experience and knowledge will be vitally useful in shaping CAP’s future plans and ambitions.”