Alcohol campaigns: AMEC (not), Hampshire, Scarborough

• There will be no AMEC (Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign) funding from the Home Office this Christmas.  Cynics might suggest this is because the government has passed the one year anniversary of the new licensing laws relatively unscathed - any problems with alcohol-related violence and disorder in out town centres henceforth can be blamed on something else, not the Licensing Act 2003. This is London

• A Hampshire-wide campaign has been launched targeting binge-drinking and how it can end in rape or violence.  The film, radio and poster campaign, run by the Hampshire Drug Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) will promote a safer drinking message to young people aged between 13 and 20 by showing how binge drinking makes them more vulnerable.  It will also raise awareness of the consequences of committing a crime after drinking too much. 

According to statistics from the DAAT alcohol misuse is involved in around 39 per cent of rape or attempted rape cases in Hampshire. Latest statistics suggest that date rape drugs are involved in a less than two per cent and that excessive alcohol consumption is the real danger - to both men and women. A short DVD film called Did Sophie Consent? has been produced by New Forest District Council, directed and acted by students at Totton College.  The tag line to the campaign is: "Too much drink can lead to rape or sexual assault. Don't let alcohol ruin your life."  Mike Webb, from the DAAT, said he hoped to see a 15 per cent reduction in alcohol-related rape cases from the campaign.  Southern Daily Echo

• A hardline stance on binge drinking is being cemented in Scarborough with the launch of a campaign to curb alcohol-fuelled street brawls, sex attacks and criminal damage.  The resort was one of the first in the country to introduce no-alcohol zones on its streets, and the new scheme is aimed at reducing drink-related crime further.

The latest initiative is aimed at hammering home the dangers of drinking to excess in the run-up to Christmas as shocking official statistics have revealed the misery caused by alcohol abuse.  Last year, more than three-quarters of domestic violence reported to North Yorkshire Police in the Scarborough and Ryedale districts was alcohol-related.

The crackdown will incorporate high-profile poster campaigns in pubs and bars as well as doctor's surgeries and libraries. Credit card-style leaflets are also being handed out with information on the law and the impact of alcohol-related behaviour. This information will also be displayed on the inside and outside of private hire vehicles and taxis using reflective signs. Station Taxis is the first private hire company to sign up to the project, and it is hoped more organisations will pledge their support. To contact the Safer Communities Partnership ring 01723 232326 or visit www. safermoorsandcoast.org.uk for more information.  Yorkshire Post