The event, due to take place on Thursday 10 October, will hear from officers and stakeholders that work to prevent, address and reduce the impact of the misuse of alcohol.
Councillors will look to consider policy initiatives on new powers introduced through the government’s ‘alcohol strategy’ – including the potential implementation of an early morning restriction order and late night levy - and the locally-targeted Bath and North East Somerset Council alcohol harm reduction strategy.
The Council said it will not focus on areas where it has little or no influence, such as supermarket pricing policies.
Representations
Members of the public and businesses - in particular pubs, nightclubs, off-licences and shops that sell alcohol - were invited to submit written statements for consideration up to five days in advance.
The event is a joint venture undertaken by a steering group on behalf of four Policy Development and Scrutiny (PDS) panels: Planning, Transport and Environment (PTE), Early Years, Children and Youth (EYCY), Economic and Community Development (ECD) and Wellbeing.
Irresponsible drinking
Councillor Lisa Brett, vice chair of the PTE panel who has led the steering group, said: “This inquiry seeks to explore how we can tackle and, ultimately, prevent the harm that irresponsible drinking can have on the community. While most people continue to enjoy moderate alcohol consumption, sadly anti-social-behaviour, A&E admissions and violent crime can too often be linked to reckless, irresponsible drinking.
“We will take stock of what is being done in areas such as health, children, community safety and licensing. The aim of the work is about balancing the risk between responsible drinking and protecting vulnerable people. By holding an inquiry day, I hope councillors and stakeholders can make recommendations in moving our strategies forward in a joined up way.”