Liberal Democrats in Cardiff North welcome plans to tackle drink problems

7.05.00pm GMT Mon 10th Nov 2008

Alcohol-related disorder in Cardiff on Friday and Saturday evenings could be tackled more effectively under new powers proposed by the Liberal Democrats. The plans to tackle binge drinking were launched by Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg MP on Monday 8th November.

Although the Council and police are working hard to improve conditions in the city centre at night, there is a limit to what can be achieved using current powers.

John Dixon, Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson for Cardiff North said, "For too long, binge drinking has been causing problems in Cardiff. I am pleased Nick Clegg has put forward these plans as I believe they will go a long way to tackling binge drinking culture."

The proposals, outlined in Tackling Booze Britain, include:

• Stop irresponsible drink promotions by introducing a minimum price for alcohol

• Put an end to the sale of alcohol to children by imposing a 'one strike and you're out' policy

• Protect Accident & Emergency staff by fining disruptive drunks in hospital A&E departments

Launching the proposals, Nick Clegg MP said, "The Government's failure to tackle the alcohol misuse in this country has left many of our town centres as no-go areas on Friday and Saturday nights.

"We cannot afford to ignore the impact that this problem is having on many people's lives.

"These proposals will increase funding for treatment of people with a drink problem, force retailers to sell alcohol responsibly, and ensure that those people who cannot handle alcohol responsibly are held to account.

"Following the publication of today's Home Affairs Select Committee report, these changes now become inevitable.

"We need a radical new approach to the alcohol related problems in this country. Parents, young people, and the alcohol industry must all play their part if we're to have any hope of dealing with the country's binge drinking culture.

"Ministers have spent years ignoring this growing problem. It's time action was taken to tackle this now."