Alcohol Campaign Reduces Violence

Despite changes to alcohol licensing laws, violent crime fell during a six week campaign on alcohol related disorder, according to new figures released by the Home Office on 8 February. Data on the Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign shows a 21% decrease in serious violent crime in areas that took part in the campaign, and a 14% reduction in wounding and other acts endangering life. The campaign also found that 29% of licenced and 19% of off licence premises were selling alcohol to minors. The campaign used £2.5 million Home Office funding to support extra specialist police operations such as fixed penalty notices for alcohol related disorder, test purchasing to target underage sales and closure of problem premises. The AMEC ran for a six week period up to Christmas and covered the change in licensing laws on 24 November.