ACS

ACS, the voice of over 33,000 local shops, has welcomed the report issued by the Home Affairs Select Committee looking at ‘Policing in the 21st Century’. The report considers the impact of alcohol fuelled crime on police resources and makes a number of recommendations.

The report covers the trends in alcohol related crime both in actual incidents and perceptions; the efficiency of the Licensing Act 2003 and associated legislation in tackling the problems; and the responsibility of the trade, including the issue of alcohol price and promotions.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman, who gave expert evidence at a hearing of the Inquiry, said: “We are pleased that MPs have highlighted the persistent disparity between the trends in alcohol related crime and violence, which are decreasing; and the widely held perception that alcohol related disorder is on the increase.

“The report raises concerns that the Licensing Act 2003 could work better to tackle problems and that this can be achieved through more effective use of Licence Reviews and Licensing conditions. We agree and have consistently called for a focus on improving the skills and resource of local authorities to use the Licensing Act 2003 effectively.

“Effective solutions to alcohol related disorder are best developed through genuine partnerships at local level between Police, Councils, the industry and other stakeholders.”

Mr Lowman also responded to the Committee’s recommendations on price and promotion restrictions: “We are fully engaged in the ongoing political debate about the relationship between price, promotion and alcohol related disorder. We are committed to constructive discussions, however there remains a lack of evidence about the likely effects of blanket promotions restrictions on alcohol related disorder.”