- York: An alcohol-free zone is set to be created in Copmanthorpe to curb boozing youths and antisocial behaviour. City of York Council is proposing to introduce alcohol exclusion zones in the village and also a part of York city centre, near the Minster. The council is looking to make the parish of Copmanthorpe and the Boer War Memorial Gardens, off Duncombe Place, areas where drinking alcohol is forbidden. In both cases, the council is responding to feedback from members of the public who have experienced or witnessed alcohol-related nuisance, annoyance or disorder in these areas. York Press
- An online debate has been launched to give people the chance to air their views on binge drinking. The East Midlands Alcohol Network – a coalition of health authorities, councils and voluntary groups – has set up The Drink Debate to find potential solutions to alcohol-related harm. Stamford Today
- Bolton: Police have unveiled their latest weapon in the fight against anti-social behaviour . . . lollipops. Officers hope that handing out lollies to late-night drinkers in the run-up to Christmas and the New Year will have crime licked and will curb drunken clashes at closing time. Police and nightclub doorman will hand out more than 30,000 lollipops. It is hoped the idea will help police and security staff form a positive relationship with partygoers, pacify drunken behaviour and stop rowdiness. This is Lancashire
- A draft Government Order outlining proposals to shake-up Northern Ireland's licensing hours, including extending pub opening until 2am, have been published for public comment. Social Development minister David Hanson released the draft Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) (NI) Order 2007 - which will introduce stronger enforcement powers for the police, and a one-hour extension of opening hours. Announcing details of the Order - drafted following earlier public consultation - he said: "The proposed Order will give police the power to temporarily close disorderly premises, and the courts power to impose penalty points for offences. "Later opening to 2am will be available to licensed premises entitled under existing law to open to 1am and to registered clubs. "However, I have decided there will be no change generally to Sunday opening, nor will there be any change to opening hours for off-licensed premises." Belfast Telegraph; Details of the Order
- Scotland: The north-east's largest alcohol support group was launched on Friday by Deputy Health Minister Lewis Macdonald. Albyn House Association and Alcohol Advisory and Counselling Services are specialist charities and have now merged to form Alcohol Support Ltd. The new group provides confidential support to children and adults who are experiencing problems as a result of alcohol abuse. It also offers counselling in schools and health centres. BBC News
- The massive impact of alcohol on crime in Tayside has been outlined by a senior police chief. Assistant Chief Constable Ian MacLeod stated alcohol is a factor in the vast majority of domestic crimes and plays a huge part in anti-social behaviour and assaults. He told delegates at the Turning the Corner on Alcohol? conference at Perth Concert Hall that court cases and custodies cost the criminal justice system £276 million a year, part of a “staggering” £1.1 billion hit to the Scottish economy from alcohol misuse. Evening Telegraph
- Many young Scots regularly wake up unable to remember how much they drank the night before, a survey has claimed. The Scottish Executive poll of 1,000 Scots found 55% of 18 to 24-year-olds fell into this category compared with 27% of all adults questioned. Almost a third of the respondents said they have chosen to drink when they did not want to rather than decline. BBC News
Comments