LABOUR ABANDON COMMUNITIES

For immediate use: Wednesday 29th September 2010


Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL / HEALTH / JUSTICE CORRESPONDENTS


COUNCILS SHOULD HAVE POWERS OVER AGE RESTRICTIONS


The SNP will continue to support Scotland’s communities in their fight
against alcohol related crime after Labour blocked plans to allow police
and communities to ask councils to introduce a ban on sales to under 21
year olds in problem areas.


In Fife, West Lothian and Larbert/Stenhousemuir pilot projects in areas
where there were high levels of youth crime associated with alcohol saw
crime levels drop dramatically.


In Larbert calls to the police fell by 41% in the first three months,
breaches of the peace declined by 38%, and serious assaults by 60% without
any additional police resources.


In Armadale West Lothian there was a 57% reduction in assaults, a 55%
reduction in calls to police about youth disorder issues and a 54% fall in
reported vandalism during the trial period.


SNP MSP for Falkirk West Michael Matheson said:


“The SNP wants to give communities the tools to tackle problems with
alcohol. In areas where there is a high level of crime committed by young
people under the influence then this legislation could have given
communities the chance to make their streets safer.


“Faced with the opportunity to take on Scotland’s crime and alcohol
problems Labour would rather stick their heads in the sand.


“It is ridiculous that despite clear evidence that an age limit of 21 can
cut the number of serious assaults by 60% and vandalism by over 50% in
problem areas Labour are content to leave councils, police and local
communities with no action to take.


“Many young people do drink responsibly and councils would only act in
areas where there is a problem and only when there is a specific request
to do so. Labour’s position is completely nonsensical.


“Labour may have turned their backs on Scotland’s communities but the SNP
and Scottish Government are committed to helping councils and the police
tackle the problems alcohol causes in our society.”


ENDS