MP welcomes action to tackle alcohol fuelled crime in Hull

Hull North MP Diana Johnson has welcomed the news that Hull is sharing in a new national Home Office £1.5 million fund to help fight alcohol related crime.

This money is available to priority areas that have the highest levels of alcohol related crime and disorder and public concern about drunk and rowdy behaviour. This money will be used to tackle underage sales, confiscate alcohol from under 18s and to carry out tougher alcohol enforcement work.

This latest Government announcement comes soon after the launch of the annual campaign against drink driving over Christmas.

Diana Johnson MP said: "Many Hull people tell me that they are fed up with anti-social behaviour caused by drinking.

"I support looking at how alcohol is sold in Hull and whether we should stop 'drink all you can' promotions. If a particular shop or nightspot is causing problems they should be stopped from breaking the rules with tough action. Licensing and other powers must be used fully.

"I also support Government moves to make it easier for local people to register concerns about irresponsible and illegal alcohol sales at problem shops that sell to underage drinkers.

"The recent Road Safety Week and the Government's current Christmas anti-drink driving campaign highlights the fact that dark nights, icy weather and booze do not mix. But booze fuelled behaviour is not just a problem on the roads, or only at Christmas.

"I am pleased that the Government is supporting action to crack down on a serious blight to community life in Hull. The decent, law-abiding majority in Hull will welcome this action."

Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said: "This money provides a timely boost to law enforcement as we approach the festive period.

"In many areas police and local authorities are effectively using the range of tools and powers we have provided to tackle alcohol related crime and disorder. We have backed that with £3 million in every part of England and Wales and an additional £1.5 million for our priority areas.

"I fully expect this will boost the drive against alcohol related crime and disorder, and help reduce alcohol related problems in Hull."

Last week the Labour Government announced it will introduce a mandatory code of conduct for alcohol retailers. Early next year the Government will consult on what should be a compulsory condition of having a licence to sell alcohol including:

banning offers like 'all you can drink for £10';

outlawing pubs and bars offering promotions to certain groups, such as women only;

requiring that consumers are able to see unit content of all alcohol when they buy it; and

requiring bars and pubs to have the minimum sized glasses available for customers who want them.