Call To Ban Super-Strength Booze In Northampton

10 March 2014, 16:09 | Updated: 11 March 2014, 13:53

Police in Northampton have launched a scheme to restrict the purchase of extra strength alcohol in the town centre.

Local off-licences can voluntarily sign up to the ‘Super Strength Campaign,’ and help create a safer and more pleasant environment for customers and local businesses.

The aim of the scheme is to reduce alcohol-related violence, anti-social behaviour, street drinking and begging. In addition, health professionals have highlighted the damage these products have on health, and have drawn attention to the fact these readily available and inexpensive drinks attract young and underage consumers.

A drink of particular concern is ‘white cider’ which is often on sale at a lower price than a soft drink. Other products include 'super strength' beers, some of which are cost as little as 16p per unit of alcohol.

Chief Constable Adrian Lee said: "Police, supported by the Northampton Community Safety Partnership, have launched a scheme to restrict the purchase of extra strength alcohol in Northampton town centre. Local off-licences can voluntarily sign up to the ‘Super Strength Campaign,’ and help create a safer and more pleasant environment for customers and local businesses.

The aim of the scheme is to reduce alcohol-related violence, anti-social behaviour, street drinking and begging. In addition, health professionals have highlighted the damage these products have on health, and have drawn attention to the fact these readily available and inexpensive drinks attract young and underage consumers.

A drink of particular concern is ‘white cider’ which is often on sale at a lower price than a soft drink. Other products include 'super strength' beers, some of which are cost as little as 16p per unit of alcohol."

Particular Problem In Northampton

Chief Constable Adrian Lee said: "I welcome the campaign to restrict the sale of super strength alcohol, as I know that this is a particular problem which has been raised by many residents in Northampton.

"We know that alcohol is a causal factor in 50% of all violent crime offences. We know that the Force has taken great strides forward in the past year or so achieving a 21.7% reduction in violent crime which is just over half way towards the ambitious 40% target I set of the Force in my Police and Crime Plan. However much more can and must be done."

Anti-social Drinkers Easily Ruin Evenings

Councillor David Mackintosh, Leader of Northampton Borough Council said: "We want our town centre to be a place everyone can enjoy when they visit. With a world-class theatre, a good selection of restaurants and a range of popular pubs and clubs our night time economy brings people to Northampton from across the country.

Unfortunately anti-social drinkers can easily ruin an evening for other people. These people will look for cheap and strong alcohol, and everyone else will have to pay with increased costs to police our town and drains on the health service. Limiting the sale of these drinks would go a long way towards making our town a safer and more enjoyable place for people to enjoy an evening out."