Press Release
RICHARD BURT
Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, West Worcestershire
Contact: 07970 713032 Embargo: Immediate
RICHARD BURT WELCOMES MOVE TO TACKLE BINGE DRINKING
Local Parliamentary Candidate Richard Burt has welcomed new plans to tackle
binge drinking. The Government’s new National Alcohol Strategy, which has been
launched today by the government, backs more guidance on safe drinking levels
for teenagers, parents and teachers, helplines for those who want to cut down, a
review of NHS alcohol spending, and tougher punishments for drunken behaviour.
Alcohol referral schemes are also to be introduced for alcoholics, in the same
way that drug addicts are sent for compulsory counselling after being arrested.
Commenting on the new National Alcohol Strategy, Richard said:
"This is a big step forward. A fresh look at the growing problem of excessive
drinking across the UK is long overdue. Too little is being done to tackle this
worrying trend in Worcestershire by both local and national government.
"Urgent action is needed to stem the binge drinking culture which takes root in
so many people at a young age and leaves them with health problems for life.
Someone drinking as a young teenager is far more likely to be dependent on
alcohol in adult life.
"There are local people, adults, who on a very regular basis are probably
drinking twice the amount that is recommended. In fact, latest figures from the
Office of National Statistics show that approximately 13.6% of people in
Worcestershire binge drink. This is a worryingly high proportion.
"Of course, binge drinking causes problems for many others in society too. It’s
proven that rates of domestic violence and violent crime are up to three times
higher when someone has been binge drinking.
"The Government’s trumpeted 2004 alcohol strategy is now merely gathering dust.
The same must not be allowed to happen to these latest plans."
ENDS
For further information or comment, please contact Richard Burt on 07970 713032,
or his Press Agent, Joe Moran on 07722 620241