Bob Laxton MP welcomes action to tackle alcohol fuelled crime in Derby

Derby will be given a share of a new national Home Office £1.5 million fund.

This money is available to priority areas which 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.

Bob Laxton MP said

"When I'm out and about in Derby people tell me that they are fed up with the anti-social behaviour caused by drinking. So I welcome this action.

"I support looking at how alcohol is sold in Derby and whether we should stop ‘all you can drink’ promotions. If a particular shop or nightspot is causing problems they should be stopped from breaking the rules with tough action.  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.

"Those that cause problems for others must face the consequences of their actions.  The decent, law-abiding majority in Derby deserve respect and the chance to get on with their lives."

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 Derby.”

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.