Manchester proposes licensing powers review to reduce £1.2bn alcohol bill
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority has recommended introducing a new alcohol strategy to deal with alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour in the night-time economy.
The proposals, which would be implemented across the ten authorities in the county if they approved next Friday (29 August), include a review of licensing powers to ensure they are used effectively and consistently.
It said it would also look into establishing voluntary agreements to control the availability of high-strength alcohol products and introducing a framework for approaching the new measures within the Anti -Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Cost of alcohol abuse
The suggestions follow a report produced on behalf of the authority which shows the total annual cost of alcohol abuse on the region is £1.2bn – the equivalent of each person in the county paying £436 a year.
As part of the strategy, the combined authority also said it would work on reducing the levels of drinking across the region with a focus on alcohol education, and continue to lobby government for national implementation of a minimum unit price.
It says it hopes this will reduce alcohol-related crime, anti-social behaviour, alcohol-related health harms and domestic abuse, as well as establish diverse, vibrant and safe night-time economies.
If approved, it would be the first time in the UK such a large number of public bodies have united to launch an alcohol strategy.
The ten councils include Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan.
'We must tackle this scourge on society together'
Mike Connolly, leader of Bury Council, said: “The impact of alcohol abuse is everybody’s business. It impacts on the health and wellbeing of our residents, the safety of our communities and the future success of our town centres and their night-time economies. It’s essential we team up, roll up our sleeves to tackle this scourge on society together.
“It’s obviously not a problem just for Greater Manchester but the facts speak for themselves. Thirty eight per cent of violent incidents that result in an injury involve alcohol and one in three domestic incidents is alcohol related. Typically, people battling with alcohol die earlier, go to hospital more often and struggle to hold down regular work.
“Binge drinking also has a massive effect on our town centres, putting pressure on businesses and impacting on the safety of our residents. We must join forces to tackle this now.”
