Drop in alcohol-related deaths and anti-social behaviour

A new report has revealed a dip in drink-related anti-social behaviour over the last 12 months.

Deaths resulting from alcohol have also dropped in the south Aberdeenshire areas, according to the data going before licensing board councillors today.

Aberdeenshire Council operates three boards for the north, central and south areas and the report for the south area, which includes the communities of Laurencekirk, Inverbervie and Stonehaven, shows there was one alcoholrelated death in the period to the end of October last year – compared with nine in the previous 12 months.

Common assaults at or near licensed premises fell from 21 to 13, while serious violent crime at or near licensed premises fell from two to one.

Licensing offences involving children fell from seven to one.

There were five instances of anti-social behaviour compared to 20 in the same period two years ago.

Board member Councillor Peter Argyle said: “It is of course positive that fewer people are dying as a result of alcohol in our area, though issues around alcohol can be complex so it is hard to know what accounts for this decrease.

“However, I would say a contributing factor to the reductions in alcohol-related crime that the report illustrates is the increase in licensees who have received training in their legal obligations.

“We have some very proactive licensees in south Aberdeenshire and I am pleased that the board has a great working relationship with the police.”