Blunkett claims success in alcohol blitz
The Home Secretary has lauded the summer crackdown on binge drinking a “success” and promised that similar campaigns will be carried out at regular intervals in the future.
The police summer blitz on underage alcohol sales and anti-social behaviour, saw over 4000 fixed penalty notices issued for alcohol-related crime such as drunk and disorderly behaviour and harassment.
Out of nearly 1825 sting operations on suspected premises 51 per cent of pubs and clubs, and 32 per cent of off-licensees were found to be selling to under 18s.
Overall, four per cent of premises visited were found to have committed a license offence.
Commenting on the figures, David Blunkett said: “Today’s figures show that a co-ordinated blitz delivers real results.
“The campaign has also enabled us to gain a much clearer picture of the problems we face. Engaging police and partners across the country in concerted, co-ordinated activity has built up huge momentum and drive to keep on tackling these problems head-on.”
He promised that: “This campaign will be repeated at regular intervals over the coming months and will be integrated with our drive against anti-social behaviour and disorder on our streets, making our communities safer places to live and work.”
Highlighting the concerning figures around under-age drinking, Mr Blunkett said that he would be writing to the heads of repeat offending establishments, asking them what action they intend to take.
On the problem of alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, Mr Blunkett said he would be asking the Sentencing Guidelines Council on whether “being drunk” should become an aggravating factor, rather than a mitigating factor as of present.
Tessa Jowell, who as Culture Secretary is responsible for reform of the licensing hours, emphasised that though the licensing hours will be liberated, there will be an increase in the maximum fine from £1000 to £5000 for anyone caught selling alcohol to under 18s.
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), many of whose members sell alcohol, said that they were disappointed by the underage sale figures.
However, it argued that the Government needed to promote a change of culture whereby being asked for identification upon purchase was viewed as normal.
Its head of public affairs, James Lowman, said: “The No ID No Sale message must become a feature of operational and consumer culture across the country. Customers must expect to be challenged to prove their age. Sadly, at present this challenge is the biggest cause of threats, intimidation and abuse of staff working in shops. It is time for the Government to support retailers by issuing this No ID No Sale message and backing it with a concerted effort to communicate it to young people.”
