The strategy will ensure the laws and licensing powers introduced to tackle alcohol-fuelled crime and disorder, protect young people and tackle irresponsibly managed premises are being used widely and effectively.
It will sharpen the focus on the minority of drinkers who cause or experience the most harm to themselves, their communities and their families.
These are:
- 18-24 year old binge drinkers, a minority of whom are responsible for the majority of alcohol-related crime and disorder
- Young people under 18 who drink alcohol
- Harmful, adult drinkers who do not necessarily realise their drinking patterns are damaging their physical and mental health and may be causing substantial harm to others.
The strategy reflects Government's commitment to invest in better information and communications and to work together with all those involved in reducing the harm alcohol can cause, including the police, local authorities, prison and probation staff, the NHS, voluntary organisations, the alcohol industry, the business community, media and local communities, to shape an environment which actively promotes sensible drinking.
At its heart is the desire to reduce the health harms, violence and anti-social behaviour associated with alcohol while ensuring that people are able to enjoy alcohol safely and responsibly.
Key actions in the strategy include;
- Sharpened criminal justice for drunken behaviour
- A review of NHS alcohol spending
- More help for people who want to drink less
- Toughened enforcement of underage sales
- Trusted guidance for parents and young people
- Public Information campaigns to promote a new 'sensible drinking' culture
- Public consultation on alcohol pricing and promotion
- Compulsory local alcohol strategies.
