Crime and Social Impacts of Alcohol
Alcohol-related crime and social disorder is estimated to cost UK taxpayers £11bn per year, at 2010/11 prices.[1]
Alcohol-related crime makes up a substantial portion of violent offences across the UK (47% in England and Wales in 2014/15,[2] 54% in Scotland in 2014/15,[3] and 40% in Northern Ireland in 2015/16).[4] This supports the public perception of alcohol as one of the major causes of crime in urban Britain today.
The Conservative Government highlights drugs and alcohol as one of the six key drivers of crime in its Modern Crime Prevention Strategy.[5]
Research has highlighted the role of alcohol in domestic violence, sexual assault,[6] child abuse,[7] and violent crime including murder.[8]
Key features of the night time economy have been identified as possible contributors to alcohol-related crime including:
- Density of drinking establishments
- Encouraging higher consumption
- Extended drinking hours
- Vertical drinking establishments and high-risk premises
- Pre-loading and cheap alcohol
- The role of the drinks industry
Problematic alcohol use has been identified as an issue at many stages of the criminal justice system.[9] Research has identified the needs of prisoners with alcohol problems were less likely to be met than for those with illicit drug problems.[10]
Alcohol places a significant burden on the emergency services. An IAS-survey found:
- Three-quarters of police and half of ambulance respondents have been injured in alcohol-related incidents[11]
- Between a third and a half of all servicepeople have suffered sexual harassment or abuse at the hands of intoxicated members of the public[12]
- 78% of police, 65% of ambulance staff, and 35% of Emergency Department Consultants feel at risk of drunken assaults[13]
A number of policies aiming to reduce alcohol-related crime and social disorder exist at both a national and local level in the UK. These range from licensing regulations to tough custodial penalties for criminal behaviour linked to alcohol. Research indicates Minimum Unit Pricing presents an effective policy strategy.[14]