Chloe comments on local statistics provided by Alcohol Concern

Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North, today commented on statistics provided by Alcohol Concern at the beginning of their ‘Alcohol Awareness Week.'

The statistics have shown Norwich North to be below average on the number of mortalities and hospital admissions caused by alcohol, as well as on crime and disorder and consumption rates. Per 100,000 approximately 258 males and 148 females in Norwich North are admitted to hospital with alcohol specific problems each year. It is estimated that roughly 16% of residents of Norwich North regularly binge drink.

Commenting on the statistics Chloe Smith said:

"It is good that locally we fall below the national average of these worrying statistics. Nevertheless, no one would want to be complacent. Alcohol consumption overall has nearly doubled since the 1950's and binge drinking is a problem in our city and around as much as anywhere. This can be catastrophic for drinkers and those around them - as well as, of course, rates of crime and public health problems.

"Part of the issue is undoubtedly the current Licensing Act and I support an overhaul of the act to;

• Allow councils and the police to shut down permanently any shop or bar found persistently selling alcohol to children;
• Double the maximum fine for under-age alcohol sales to £20,000;
• Review alcohol taxation and pricing to ensure it tackles binge-drinking without unfairly penalising responsible drinkers, pubs and important local industries.
• Ban the sale of alcohol below cost price; and
• Permit local councils to charge more for late-night licences to pay for additional policing."