First things first, let’s get something straight.  Irresponsible use of alcohol is an important issue, and one that the government, industry, public and a host of other stakeholders take quite seriously.  Some focus on developing policies to keep us safe from the harm associated with the misuse of beverage alcohol, a laudable goal.  However, at times, this is done in the absence of a firm grip on the facts.

Take, for example, a recent report from Join Together’s website that would have us believe that the 2003 Licensing Act which allows for extended operating hours for pubs and bars in the UK has led to mayhem at closing time.  A scary thought, to be sure, but it doesn’t reflect what research is showing from the front lines:

• 13 police forces across England and Wales found no marked rise in alcohol related crimes since the Act was enacted; 6 police forces reported a fall and 5 reported a rise in response to a survey conducted by and published in the English newspaper The Independent in November 2006.

• In Wirral, England, people reporting assaults at the Accident and Emergency Department fell by 15% according to a study conducted by the Centre for Public Health at Liverpool after the Act was introduced.

• In the English county of Sussex, 1,000 fewer people reported injuries after the Act was enacted, leading the Asst. Chief Constable of Sussex to comment: “Concerns over 24-hour drinking leading to a significant increase in alcohol-fuelled violence and public nuisance have not materialized.”

• In Norwich England, six months after the change in operating hours, police officials reported 584 fewer violent offences compared to the same period a year earlier.  Says Inspector Peter Walsh, “We’re no longer seeing the huge queues for clubs and taxis at 11:30pm and then 2am which were often associated with trouble and we no longer see large crowds pouring out on to the street all at the same time.”

Alcohol-related policies are an important part of our society, but it’s critical that the people making – and commenting on – these policies are  relying on actual FACTS.