Violent crime drops despite drinking legislation change

Violent crime in England and Wales dropped by 11% at the end of last year, according to the latest figures from the Home Office.

The figures, the first since legislation allowing extended drinking hours was introduced last November, included a six week period during which police were given an extra £2.5 million to tackle alcohol-related crime.

The figures showed that all violent crime fell by 11% during the campaign, while more serious violent crime also dropped by 21%.

Commenting on the figures, Home Secretary Charles Clarke said that police would continue to "drive home the message that we will not allow the drunken behaviour of the minority to impact the lives of the decent majority of people who enjoy a sensible drink with family and friends."

Opponents of the new drinking laws had feared that they would lead to an increase in alcohol-related violence and injuries.

However, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport said that many premises that had been granted 24-hour licenses had opted to remain open for a just a few extra hours on Friday and Saturday instead.

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell said: "We won't eradicate alcohol-related crime and disorder overnight, we know that. But today's figures show a problem in the process of being dealt with. They send a clear message to rogue traders and drink fuelled troublemakers everywhere - we're using the full weight of the law to come after you."

Mark Hastings of the British Beer and Pub Association said that that the combination of flexible opening hours and law enforcement was having a "positive impact". He said: "Communities are seeing a reduction in violent crime and the pub trade is seeing positive changes in drinking patters and behaviour.

"The projections of government and the industry have proved far closer to the truth than the prophesies of the peddlers of doom and gloom."

(KMcA)