Tony Blair has warned brewers and drinks firms that they may have to pay towards the costs of late-night policing in towns and cities plagued by drunken, yobbish behaviour.
Binge drinking was in danger of becoming "the new British disease", he argued.
Government Response: Home Office
Home Office minister Hazel Blears said: "Crime trends are changing. The crimes which have traditionally concerned people the most, such as property and vehicle crime, continue to fall but have been replaced in the public’s mind by violent crime. Nearly half of all violent crime is alcohol related.
"The government, police, local authorities and the alcohol industry are all determined to tackle the alcohol fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour, which one in four people say is a problem in their area.
"This summer, in consultation with the drinks industry, we will launch a police led campaign to cut down on under-age drinking and the chaotic drink-fuelled scenes often found in our town and city centres at closing time. This will not be a one off blitz, but the start of a very long campaign through which we hope to cut violence and make people act more responsibly."
Party Response: Conservative
Shadow home secretary David Davis said: "The government's record on alcohol related crime is truly abysmal. The number of alcohol related crimes has reached an all time high, while police powers to tackle underage drinking are barely used.
"The government's alcohol strategy is little more than a panic measure and a PR gimmick. Instead of glossy publications and waffle from the prime minister, existing police powers to tackle alcohol-related crime should be thoroughly enforced. Labour have promised zero-tolerance of anti-social behaviour before – why should we believe them now?"
Party Response: Liberal Democrat
Paul Burstow, Liberal Democrat health spokesman, said: "Clamping down on alcohol fuelled rowdiness is welcome but only half the equation. The government is ignoring the ticking health timebomb of Britain's binge drinking culture.
"The government needs to think about more than just containment of the problem; it needs to deal with the causes. Alcohol abuse amongst teenagers is storing up huge long-term health costs. The number of children turning up in hospital because of alcohol is shocking.
"Ministers have dithered and delayed over action to tackle the problem. Their Alcohol Strategy fails to get to grips with the binge culture which is putting the lives and health of so many at risk. Clear labelling with numbers of units should be mandatory. Alcohol problems must be treated as seriously as drug problems."
Forum Response: Association of Chief Police Officers
Chris Allison, ACPO lead on alcohol related offending and commander in the
Metropolitan Police, said: "ACPO very much supports the lead being taken by government to pull together the various parties and groups who can impact on this significant issue.
"The link between alcohol, anti-social behaviour and violent crime is well-known and well-evidenced. Police forces across the country are having to deal with alcohol-fuelled crime and disorder on a daily basis and considerable success has been achieved in places such as Manchester, Blackpool and Westminster.
"However, it is clear that this problem cannot be solved by enforcement activity alone and requires the alcohol industry to be fully involved, thereby helping to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour in the first
place.
"It also requires a public education campaign designed to reduce the incidence of excessive drinking which fuels these problems. The recognition that this is a wider issue is vital as the change to the licensing laws will lead to alcohol being available during longer periods of time."
Forum Response: Bar Entertainment and Dance Association
Jon Collins, spokesman for BEDA, told ePolitix.com: "The vast majority of people out and about at clubs and bars this weekend will drink responsibly, have a great night out and return home safely. That does not mean BEDA can be complacent about the small minority out to cause trouble, drink irresponsibly, fall ill and/or become a victim of a crime.
"Alcohol related disorder and disturbance has increased in recent years as our town and city centres have witnessed an unprecedented expansion in the late night market. Increasingly, the trade, police and local authorities are coming together in local level partnerships to tackle any problems and develop a sustainable late night economy.
"BEDA is working with the Home Office and DCMS in an attempt to build on local good practice and develop a national solution. This has to be founded on a minimum price condition on all licences to remove, at a stroke, irresponsible promotions.
"In addition, training, social marketing, registration of door men and late night transport can all play a part. BEDA is currently working with the Association of Town Centre Management to develop funding streams in to which operators can contribute and then have a say in how resources are allocated. It is BEDA's experience that late night transport can actually be profitable with cities like Manchester and Reading finding that there is a market for such services."
