Plan to tackle alcohol misuse

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POLICE and Crime Commissioners from across the country have launched a national plan to tackle alcohol misuse.
It was unveiled at the Association of Police & Crime Commissioners Partnership Summit, which brought together commissioners from across the country to discuss the ways in which they can drive an effective and efficient response to the challenges facing policing today.
Commissioners decided to undertake increasing work to tackle misuse of alcohol to combat the annual cost to society of alcohol-related crime – put at £11 million.
The strategy looks at ways in which commissioners can work both collectively at a national level and locally with their Chief Constables to reduce the harm and cost to society of alcohol-related crime by changing attitudes, deterring offenders and tackling irresponsible supply.
Commissioners are working with partners such as local authorities, the third sector, Public Health England and businesses to tackle shared issues.
John Dwyer Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire (pictured) said: “Reducing alcohol related harm is a priority in my Police & Crime Plan, as a member of the national alcohol working group, we have a powerful collective voice to influence change and challenge Government. Some £3 billion is spent a year by police, the NHS, councils and other agencies cleaning up the mess alcohol leaves behind in the North West.
“In Cheshire, a partnership of leaders from the Councils, Health, Fire and others are working to tackle alcohol related harm and reduce levels of consumption across Cheshire and Merseyside.
“In particular we have been looking at minimum unit pricing and the use of licensing powers such as the late night levy which offers licensing authorities the opportunity to levy late-opening alcohol suppliers towards the cost of policing the night time economy. No decisions have been taken yet but we have a number of strands of work underway.
“I don’t have a problem with people who have the occasional drink. Most of us have a drink or two, know our limits and drink responsibly. It’s the small minority that are a nuisance and cost Cheshire £330 million a year to put right.
“It’s cheap drinks, late night openings and pre-loading that are causing the problems. For example, 47 per cent of violent crime is caused by alcohol.
“Back in the 70s when I was a bobby on the beat, we were able to deal with and process drunken people before our night shift ended. Nowadays, officers who are starting the morning shift are still dealing with the fall-out from the night before because premises are continuing to serve alcohol up until 6am in the morning.”


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