Westminster: focus on personal responsibility

A focus on personal responsibility — not "the blunt instrument of legislation" — is needed to tackle Britain's drinking problems, says a senior Westminster councillor.

Cllr Edward Argar's comments are welcome, coming at a time when the Government plans to inflict more costly red tape on licensees through its mandatory alcohol retailing code.

Westminster's cabinet member for health and adult services was speaking at a seminar on minimising harm from alcohol. It was hosted by think-tank Policy Exchange, which is researching the subject.

Argar said: "Alongside effective management of the licensing, enforcement and health challenges excessive alcohol consumption brings about today, the bigger challenge is to engender a long-term attitudinal and cultural change, where people are not demonised for enjoying a social drink, but equally are not encouraged to drink to excess.

"Change brought about not through the blunt instruments of legislation and demonisation, but around a renewed culture of personal responsibility, common sense, and accountability.

"Increasingly over the past ten years individuals' sense of responsibility for their own actions has been undermined. It is a 'nanny knows best' attitude that has taken hold. We see the state doing it all, telling us what we should or shouldn't do and in such a context personal responsibility withers.

"A renewed focus on individual responsibility rather than state imposed penalties is the starting point to a more mature relationship with alcohol."

He suggested pubs and restaurants should consider offering medium sized glasses of wine and clarity around the definition of "units" would help increase choice and responsibility for drinkers.

Policy Exchange's research will examine whether high prices on stronger drinks prevent people drinking or simply encourage them to seek cheaper options.

It will also look at whether making public health issues central to licensing rules would actually reduce alcohol-related health problems.

And it will consider enforcement approaches for dealing with drunks and premises who serve drunk people, and whether Britain could learn from other European countries.