Study finds link between number of off-licences and alcoholrelated deaths

New academic study establishes strong link – leading to calls for tighter licensing controls

Crime levels are five times higher in Dundee neighbourhoods with the most pubs and off-licences than in those with the fewest, research has revealed.

A major academic study across Scotland has established a strong link between the number of alcohol outlets in an area and the prevalence of crime and drink-related deaths.

The trend has led to a call for a ban on new off-licences in Fife, which has seen the second biggest increase in successful new applications to sell drink in shops.

Dundee is one of the easiest places to buy alcohol, with residents having an average of 21 options within 800m of the centre of their local area, compared with the Scottish average of 17.

It also had the fifth worst alcoholrelated death rate in the country.

Alcohol Focus Scotland carried out the study with the Centre for Research on Environment, Society and Health (CRESH) at the universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow.

It examined data for 6,976 neighbourhood areas

The charity wants to see tighter controls by licensing boards across Scotland.

Alison Douglas, the chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland, said: “This research highlights the clear relationship between the availability of alcohol and a range of serious problems suffered by communities across Scotland. We have long known that if we want to reduce the harm caused by alcohol, we must take action on how readily available it is.

“The implementation of minimum unit pricing will save the lives of hundreds of Scots but if we are to truly turn the tide of our alcohol problem, tackling availability must also be part of the mix.

“This new research should be used to help inform the Scottish Government’s next steps on alcohol prevention which are due to be published this summer.”

Across Courier Country there are 2,445 places where people can load up on drink.

All of the council areas in Tayside featured in the Scottish top 10 for the highest number of outlets, with Fife ranked 13th out of 30.

The kingdom has seen one of steepest rises in the number of off-sales licences granted – an extra 33 between 2012 and 2016, according to the study.

June Barrie, the legal services manager at Fife Council, said the licensing board was considering overprovision as part of its review of licensing policy, with an initial judgment likely next month.

Dundee and Angus councils said they were considering the findings of the study, which is published today.

Scotland has had at times a troubled relationship with alcohol. Such a statement, of course, represents a huge generalisation. Many people are perfectly capable of enjoying alcohol in moderation.

However, there can be no doubt a significant minority struggle to indulge responsibly.

It has long been established that the impact on the health of the nation is considerable. The time and expense incurred by our National Health Service in dealing with related problems has been similarly well documented.

However, a new report published by a Scottish charity appears to establish a clear link between the number of places where alcohol is available for sale and higher crime rates.

The results make for fascinating, if far from comfortable, reading.

Locally there have been lively debates about the availability of alcohol, with potential limits being considered by licensing boards in both Fife and Dundee.

The new study by Alcohol Focus Scotland is sure to add fuel to the fire for those demanding change.

While opponents will be quick to criticise what can be condemned as “nanny state” interventions, there is little doubt surrounding the harm excessive consumption is causing, often in our most deprived areas.

Pressure to take decisive action is only set to grow.

PA. Picture: Minimum alcohol pricing is one way in which the Scottish Government is trying to tackle the problems associated with booze in this country.