Freed offenders face bans on alcohol and gambling

Criminals could be barred from drinking alcohol or gambling after they are freed from prison under a new drive to tackle re-offending.

For the first time, probation officers will be able to impose tailored restrictions on those released on licence. The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) said these could include bans on alcohol, gambling or online content.

Licence conditions are put in place when an offender is released from jail as a way of preventing re-offending. The MOJ said alcohol is a “known factor” in recidivism for some people.