POLICE CHIEF WARNS ABOUT ROLE OF ALCOHOL IN CRIME

POLICE CHIEF WARNS ABOUT ROLE OF ALCOHOL IN CRIME
 
Commenting on remarks made by Strathclyde Police Chief Constable Steve House that alcohol has played a major role in 14 murders in the past 10 weeks, SNP MSP Stewart Maxwell – a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Justice Committee – said:

“These are devastating remarks from the Chief Constable and highlight the pain and suffering an unhealthy relationship with alcohol can cause.

“Alcohol consumption is a major factor in crime in Scotland which is why it is so unfortunate that opposition parties are refusing to accept minimum pricing for alcohol as a measure that could save lives and cut crime. Significantly the Chief Constable has pointed to alcohol fuelled crimes that are taking place in the home, not in the pub, which is why we need to target drinks bought at off sales, as well as ensuring on sales are properly licensed.

“The opposition do not deny that there are problems with crime and alcohol fuelled behaviour in some of our communities but are currently refusing to consider using price to cut down on dangerous levels of consumption.

“Their attempts to block minimum pricing as a tool in the fight against the problems related to alcohol are wrong. Alcohol is a serious issue for Scotland and we should have all possible tools available to us in dealing with it - including pricing.

“They should think again and consider that we need all the means possible to tackle the problems of alcohol and not have any blocked."