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ACPO comment on Government's proposed alcohol reforms
A significant percentage of violent crime and anti-social behaviour is alcohol-related. We face these problems because too many people are consuming too much alcohol. However we cannot enforce our way to a solution, it’s about how we prevent the abuse in the first place
ACPO lead on alcohol and licensing, Chief Constable Jon Stoddart said,
“We’re pleased to hear that the Government is committed to tackling the issues surrounding alcohol abuse in our communities and recognises the important role that the police service plays in dealing with those issues.
“A significant percentage of violent crime and anti-social behaviour is alcohol-related. We face these problems because too many people are consuming too much alcohol. However we cannot enforce our way to a solution, it’s about how we prevent the abuse in the first place.
“Having police officers in hospitals offers a reassuring presence and does work to stop criminal behaviour, but who pays for this is a question that has to be answered, especially in times of austerity.
“It is clear that we need more effective solutions. Research shows that as price has decreased, consumption has increased – the average person is drinking more than 11 litres of alcohol a year, more than twice the average consumption in the 1950s. The introduction of a minimum price per unit of alcohol would make alcohol less affordable thus reducing consumption and in turn the associated harm.”
For more information contact
The ACPO Press Office can be contacted via 020 7084 8946/47/48 (office hours) or via 07803 903686 (out of office hours).
The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) is an independent, professionally led strategic body. In the public interest and, in equal and active partnership with Government and partner agencies, ACPO leads and co-ordinates the direction and development of the police service in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In times of national need ACPO, on behalf of all chief officers, co-ordinates the strategic policing response.
ACPO’s 311 members consist of 223 chief police officers from the home forces of assistant chief constable rank (commanders in the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police) and above, plus 60 senior police staff members from the 44 forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Non home forces such as British Transport Police have 25 chief police officer members and there are three members from the Service Police.