Curb on booze detracts from the real problem

As with most initiatives to curb street drinking Maidstone Borough Council’s latest scheme is well intentioned, but will it work?

The main demographic affected will of course be the homeless, a group which is rapidly growing in the town.

Obviously this is also the group with the least disposable cash and therefore on the face of it ridding the shelves of low-priced, high strength booze will tackle an issue.

But is it the right issue? Drinking in public is merely a symptom and while countering it cannot be a bad thing it distracts from the real problem, homelessness itself.

Even if those living on the streets are restricted in their access to alcohol it’s unlikely they’ll be more likely to find accommodation.

Quite frankly nowhere near enough is being done to help these people. They’re desperate and if alcohol is out of their price range there’s plenty more vices available. Besides, it would be naive to think if they can’t afford it they won’t be able to get their hands on it, the number of people who file into court every day accused of stealing booze is already sky high.

Let’s not forget clubs and bars around the town will continue to push cut-price drinks offers on young punters.

The result of which is clear to see if you’ve ever walked past the Urban Blue bus after 11pm on a Friday or Saturday, or if you’ve ever walked along Bank Street on a Saturday or Sunday morning.

Unfortunately what at first glance is a positive step may well have a very negative result – higher drug use and more stress on an already creaking justice system.