Binge Drinkers Face Facts

Binge drinkers who are arrested for alcohol-related offences will have to face up to the consequences of their drinking.

Nine police force areas around the country will be taking part in intensive projects designed to make heavy drinkers aware of the damage they do.

Those arrested for alcohol-related crimes in those areas will have to see an alcohol specialist within one week. The specialist will asses their behaviour and their personal health risk, and then offer help and advice on reducing their alcohol consumption.

Those with more complex problems can be referred to more in-depth advice sessions. If they do not attend these sessions, they face prosecution, and a typical alcohol referral could involve:

• A binge drinking adult is arrested for being drunk and disorderly and is taken into custody;
• Police determine that alcohol played a part and that he/she might benefit from advice about safer drinking;
• A resident alcohol specialist gives the person advice about unit strengths, the effects of alcohol on the body and how to reduce the risk of it happening again.

Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said, ‘the alcohol arrest referral sessions are not an easy option. They aim to cut re-offending and so make our towns and city centres more pleasant places by making offenders realise their mistakes.

‘Working with police and industry the government will continue to do all it can to help ensure people can enjoy alcohol in a way that is safe, sensible and social.’

For editors:

Read the government’s alcohol strategy, Safe. Sensible. Social. The next steps in the National Alcohol Strategy.

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