Tara calls for alcohol awareness scheme to reduce anti social behaviour (Easington Liberal Democrats)

Easington Liberal Democrats <info@easingtonlibdems.org.uk>

Tara calls for alcohol awareness scheme to reduce anti social behaviour

May 3, 2010 1:40 PM

Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Easington Tara Saville has called for those convicted or cautioned for alcohol related crime and anti-social behaviour to undergo drink awareness sessions. The police recorded more than 3.6 million incidents of anti social behaviour in 2008/9, of which many were alcohol related, and drink-fuelled disorder and ASB is a concern for many communities.

Tara said "Motorists caught driving just above the speed limit are currently offered speed awareness training, which has resulted in them being less likely to speed in future. Pilot schemes on alcohol awareness also show promising results. I would like to see such schemes introduced more widely as a potentially effective way of reducing violent crime including domestic violence, disorder, and anti social behaviour.

"The scheme would also have significant public health benefits, with 24% of over-16s deemed to be "excessive" drinkers. I believe that courses to inform people about the dangers of excess alcohol & encourage safe drinking could make a big difference to the levels of anti-social behaviour & domestic violence in our region, and if elected on May 6th I intend to press for action on this issue with government and with public health and judicial agencies.

"The Government estimates the cost of anti social behaviour is currently £3,4 billion a year, and the cost to the NHS of excessive drinking is estimated at £2.7 billion a year, according to the NHS Confederation and Royal College of Physicians. In this context, a small amount of investment in this provision could generate considerable savings and significantly improve health and well-being".