A hard-hitting group involving organisations whose work brings them into contact with licensing has been set up by the Safer South Derbyshire Partnership to work on crime and disorder associated with alcohol.

The Police, Trading Standards, South Derbyshire District Council licensing and environmental health services, Fire & Rescue and the PCT are among those involved in the newly established Violence, Alcohol harm and Licensing (VAL) group.

The VAL has been set up in recognition of the fact that the consumption of alcohol influences and aggravates crime and anti-social behaviour. The British Medical Association has reported that alcohol is a factor in 70% of assaults and 50% of fights and domestic assaults and the Police Superintendents Association says that alcohol, as a contributing factor, is present in half of all crime.

The South Derbyshire VAL members say that by meeting regularly, sharing and reviewing information about licensed premises and alcohol-related incidents throughout the district and planning and delivering related actions they hope to have an impact on violent crime and anti-social behaviour.

Safer South Derbyshire Partnership Sergeant Andy Wright said: “By all agencies working together we can address effectively a wide range of issues surrounding alcohol sales and consumption and this should make identifying and dealing with related problems much easier than it has been in the past. District residents should feel reassured that we are working together on this.

“The group can and will look at everything from joint visits to premises and license reviews to education of the public and awareness-raising within communities.”

In June 2007, the Department of Health and the Home Office jointly launched an updated government alcohol strategy, setting out clear goals and actions to promote sensible drinking and reduce the harm that alcohol can cause. Setting up groups such as the VAL were among its recommendations.
The South Derbyshire VAL will now meet quarterly and is chaired by Mark Alflat,  the Director of Community Services  at  South Derbyshire District Council.