Targetted approach needed to crack down on alcohol abuse - Brown (BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats)

BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats <info@banffandbuchanlibdems.org.uk>

Targetted approach needed to crack down on alcohol abuse - Brown

June 22, 2009 9:43 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Liberal Democrat Justice spokesperson Robert Brown MSP has called for the greater use of schemes designed to crack down on problem alcohol drinkers and problem areas.

Mr Brown's calls come ahead of the Scottish Government's Alcohol

Conference being held tomorrow (Monday) in the Scottish Parliament.

Commenting, Mr Brown said:

"Scotland's alcohol problem is a serious and complex issue. There is no

magic bullet to fix it but there are some trigger points to more effective

action.

"Ministers should introduce effective and speedy Arrest Referral Schemes for people who are arrested where the police suspect them of alcohol abuse. This would allow for referral to an Alcohol Health Worker of young people under 18 who are picked up under the influence of alcohol or who are caught trying to buy alcohol.

"It is in all our interests that problem or anti social drinking is

tackled as soon as it can be.

"Greater emphasis must also be given to stamping out alcohol related

violence at Accident and Emergency hospitals. At present, such matters can go unreported but violence towards staff or other patients is

unacceptable.

"We should be looking at a zero tolerance approach to drunken behaviour, a greater police presence where and when required, and the power to hand out automatic penalty notices.

"A&E is a major trigger point where targeted approaches such as these

could be highly effective.

"We need a step-change in our campaign to tackle Scotland's drinking

culture. Key to this will be the greater use of schemes designed to catch

problem drinkers and crack down on problem areas."

Ends.