Home Office targets 18-24-year-old binge drinkers

July 21, 2007: Beer glasses that shatter on impact and therefore can't be used as lethal weapons are among a raft of measures proposed by the Home Office as it seeks to tighten up on anti-social behaviour.

In announcing its strategy document — Cutting Crime: a New Partnership 2008-11 — the government department recognises that anti-social behaviour, a lot of which is thought to be fuelled by excessive alcohol, is still viewed as a major public concern, against a background of falling crime figures overall.

The strategy document says: "Alcohol misuse is a signifi ant factor in violent crime and in disorder on the streets. Victims of violent crime perceive that around 46% of violent crime is alcohol related, and, in 2005/06, 17% of violent crimes were committed in or around pubs or clubs.

"Some of these are more serious assaults. Many are lower-level violent
offences but have a disproportionate impact on the quality of life of those in the local community, making parts of our city centres no-go areas.

"Alcohol is also a key factor in criminal damage. A third (32%) of young offenders reported alcohol use at the time of a criminal damage offence. Around a quarter of people interviewed in the British Crime Survey perceive
people being drunk or rowdy in public places to be a problem in their area."

The Home Office — which points out that the numbers of more serious violent crimes actually fell in the year after the introduction of the Licensing Act in 2005 — aims to sharpen its focus on the minority of drinkers who cause the most harm to victims, to themselves, to their families and their
communities —18–24-year-old binge drinkers and heavy drinkers.

The strategy document cites the success of a scheme called Project Blitz, a multi-agency initiative in Dorset involving the police, the fire service, trading
standards and a number of voluntary agencies. Blitz tackles alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in four ways.

"The Blitz Roadshow tours schools across Dorset, delivering a fun and interactive session to 13-14-year-olds. This includes a theatre performance, workshops and various educational games. Every student receives a ‘Blitz card’ which can be used to get them discounts at various clubs and organisations.

"A Factz leaflet outlines young people’s relationship with alcohol. It opens
parents’ eyes to the reality of teenage drinking and encourages them to be good role models.

"Blitz 3 targets 16-24-year-olds in the night-time economy. It works in association with Pubwatch, using a banning system for persistent offenders who are either violent or anti-social when under the infl uence of alcohol.

"A series of hard-hitting posters accompany this, raising awareness of
the risks associated with alcohol abuse."