No surprises in pub violence report.
Badly designed and over-crowded bars, poorly trained staff and rivalry between customers have been revealed as the three key factors that lead to alcohol-related violence in pubs and clubs, according to new research by Nottingham Trent University.
From our sister publication M&C Report
Titled 'Last Orders for Alcohol Related Violence', the report looked at the psychological and environmental factors that lead to violence and included interviews with victims and perpetrators of violence.
The study, which was commissioned by the British Glass Manufacturers' Confederation, found that there was no one factor blamed for incidents of violence and that a range of different and complimentary actions are needed to create a solution.
After recent attempts to ban glasses and bottles from pubs in Glasgow we felt it was important to demonstrate that such a ban would not have an effectDavid Workman, director general of British Glass.
The report suggests a range of solutions, including training to all staff to raise awareness of the importance of their responses in reducing and preventing violent incidents, more attention to housekeeping of venues selling alcohol in bottles or glasses, and more widespread and active participation in PubWatch.
Other solutions put forward were restricting entry to over 21 year olds only and more efficient enforcement of underage drinking laws, plus more work carried out on binge-drinking incentives and promoting safer drinking options.
The research also puts forward that pubs and bar operators should put more thought into creating more relaxing and friendly atmospheres in venues where the onus isn't on getting drunk, but rather is on socialising, and the introduction of table-service to help alleviate issues of crowding and frustration at and around the bar area.
David Workman, director general of British Glass, said: "After recent attempts to ban glasses and bottles from pubs in Glasgow we felt it was important to demonstrate that such a ban would not have an effect in reducing alcohol related violence.
"Clearly alcohol related violence is an abhorrent and real issue. Solutions need to be realistic and practical and must be decided on the basis of the extensive research that exists, much of which is summarised in this report."
Was Glasgow's glass ban intended to cut violence or just reduce the injuries caused by violence? What do you think this studty tells us? If you are a registered user please click on the 'Post a new comment' link below to talk about this story and others in our discussion forums.
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