Binge drinkers to be targeted by new alcohol crackdown

MINISTERS are planning new curbs on binge drinking after figures revealed that half of violent incidents between strangers are fuelled by alcohol.

A major review is to be launched to examine the problems of excessive drinking. It is intended to result in a new alcohol strategy which will be designed to help “break the cycle” of excessive drinking and violence.

The review, due to report by the end of the year, will focus on three main areas: supporting vulnerable people from the impact of alcohol-related violence, helping high-risk drinkers change their behaviour patterns and better managing the licencing system.

Victoria Atkins, the Home Office minister for crime, safeguarding and vulnerability, said: “The devastating impact of excessive drinking can all too often be seen on our streets but it also exacts a terrible toll within the home. It is a significant factor not only in domestic violence but also rape and child abuse... [We] need to break the cycle of excessive drinking and violence by getting more high-risk drinkers the help they need to quit for good. “

Figures released by the Home Office revealed that in 51 per cent of violent incidents between strangers, the offender was under the influence of alcohol, while drink played a part in 40 per cent of all violent crime in 2016-17.

There is also “significant evidence” to suggest that alcohol is a factor in “hidden crimes” such as domestic violence, sexual abuse and rape, with more than a third of alcohol-related violence taking place in the home.