Council Set To Scrutinise Impact Of Local Alcohol Harm

A scrutiny inquiry day on Thursday 10th October 2013 will be hosted by the Council focused on the harm to locals caused by alcohol.

The event will enable Councillors to examine existing evidence and hear from officers and stakeholders that work to prevent, address and reduce the impact of the misuse of alcohol.

The day will not focus on areas where the Council has little or no influence, such as supermarket pricing policies.

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 scrutiny inquiry day is a joint Policy Development and Scrutiny (PDS) panel task being undertaken by a steering group on behalf of four PDS panels. These are Planning Transport and Environment (PTE), Early Years, Children and Youth (EYCY), Economic and Community Development (ECD) and Wellbeing.

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 businesses such as pubs, night-clubs, off-licenses and shops who sell alcohol. To submit a written submission e-mail [email protected] or post to the Policy Development and Scrutiny Team, Bath & North East Somerset Council, High Street, Bath, BA1 5AW, Tel: 01225 396053.