A scrutiny inquiry day on Thursday, 10th October will be hosted by B&NES Council on alcohol harm.
The event will enable Councillors to examine existing evidence and hear from officers and stakeholders who work to prevent and reduce the impact of the misuse of alcohol.
Areas where the Council has little or no influence, such as supermarket pricing policies are excluded. Councillors are looking to consider policy initiatives on both the new powers being introduced through the Government's 'alcohol strategy' and the locally-targeted B&NES alcohol harm reduction strategy. Part of the day is also dedicated to identifying potential recommendations for changes in local policy.
The task is being undertaken by a steering group on behalf of four panels, Planning Transport and Environment (PTE), Early Years, Children and Youth (EYCY), Economic and Community Development (ECD) and Well-being.
Councillor Lisa Brett, Vice-Chair of the Planning, Transport and Environment Policy Development and Scrutiny 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."
Whilst the inquiry is a public meeting, members of the public must submit any written statements for consideration at least five days in advance. This helps avoid duplication and ensure everyone has the opportunity to engage in the event. The steering group particularly wants to hear from pubs, nightclubs, off-licences and shops who sell alcohol. To submit a written submission e-mail [email protected]">[email protected] or post to the Policy Development, B&NES Council, High Street, Bath BA1 5AW, Tel: 01225 396053.
One local licensee welcomed the review and commented that the Midsomer Norton Street Marshalls had helped the authorities gather evidence of licence breeches for prosecutions etc. If every pub complied with the spirit of its licensing conditions there would be less excessive drinking. There is a current problem with off-sales. Although there is a street drinking ban, some premises are legally selling unopened bottles etc. for consumption in the street.If off-sales were prohibited after 10 p.m., this would be less likely.