Alcohol Related Disorder

Recent years have seen an increase in public disorder related to alcohol. One of the aims of the Hart Community Safety Strategy is to address disorder associated with the pubs and clubs in the locality.

Alcohol consumption is more socially accepted than drug abuse yet it remains a greater contributor to crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour.

It is important to remember that while both substances (drugs and alcohol) have effects on the body and mind and can be linked to crime in various ways, there is one fundamental difference – alcohol is legal (to those over 18) and drugs are not.

To help combat the disorder associated with alcohol misuse, we have byelaws to stop the drinking of alcohol in public places. Also, a urination byelaw was introduced in 2000, which has led to a dramatic reduction in people urinating in the street.

Results from the 2004 Crime Audit

Society as a whole is a victim through the hidden costs of alcohol and drug abuse, the consumption of alcohol on an irresponsible level contributes to crime and disorder, and costs the U.K. £7.3 billion a year. There are also other costs attributed to alcohol misuse, such as to the NHS where, ‘70% of weekend A&E admissions are currently alcohol related’ (Crime Reduction News, cited in ‘Safer Hart’ 2004) Home Office and British Crime Survey figures have found that alcohol is a contributing factor to 47% of violent crime, and 45% of domestic violence (Crime Reduction News, cited in ‘Safer Hart’ 2004).

When considering the issue of alcohol it is important to remember that while there may be relatively few alcohol related offences, there is an extremely significant impact on the public’s feelings of safety relating to alcohol and the night-time economy. Results from the Residents’ Survey show that of the 545 respondents, 154 had been a victim of, or witnessed unacceptable levels of drunken behaviour, yet 259 said they did not feel safe in town centres at night. While this cannot be solely attributed to alcohol it is likely that it is a major contributing factor to the reassurance gap.

When considering alcohol abuse, it is prudent to remember that those who drink underage pose very different problems for the police compared with those who are legally entitled to drink. The problems caused by underage drinkers tend to be more anti-social in nature, and although alcohol is often consumed, it is sometimes the case that a group of youths gathering in a public place is as great a problem as the consumption of alcohol. Another problem identified in recent years has been the increase in a binge drinking culture, which is responsible for the majority of alcohol fuelled incidents and is usually perpetrated by the young.

The ‘Safer Hart’ Partnership, with the police and Pubwatch and by using the nationally accredited CCTV system in Hart, are committed to ensuring that the town centres are places of enjoyment for people of all ages, all the time.

Support Services

• ACORN Drug and Alcohol Service 01276 62566
• AL ANON 020 7403 0888
• Alcohol Concern 020 7328 7377
• Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 769 7555
• British Beer and Pub Association 0207 627 9191
• CHYP (Young people’s support) 01483 459198
• Friends and Family support 01252 650987
• ‘Safer Hart’ Community Safety Partnership 01252 774476
• London NHS Trust 01252 398140
• NARCON 01304 8720251
• Resolve (Solvent abuse helpline) 0808 8002345
• SADAS (One to one counselling) 01483 590150