Date: 17 November 2009 BROCKLEBANK : ‘NEW FIGURES HIGHLIGHT FIFE’S ALCOHOL PROBLEM’ BROCKLEBANK : ‘NEW FIGURES HIGHLIGHT FIFE’S ALCOHOL PROBLEM’
New figures uncovered by the Scottish Conservatives have shown the extent of the alcohol problem facing Fife. The Fife police force has issued the second highest number of Fixed Penalty Notices for anti-social behaviour in Scotland for people drunk and incapable in a public place, and for consumption of alcohol in a public place in contravention of a local bye-law.
Commenting, Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Ted Brocklebank, said;
“Sadly, these new figures further highlight the alcohol problem faced by Fife and the extent of anti-social behaviour it causes. In 2008/09 there were 217 Fixed Penalty Notices issued to Fifers who were drunk and incapable in a public place. This was the second highest figure in Scotland and accounts for 19% of the Scottish total. A further 565 people were issued Fixed Penalty Notices for consuming alcohol in a public place in contravention of a local bye-law. Once again, this was the second highest number issued in Scotland.
“Such a large amount of alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour in Fife is entirely unacceptable. Each one of these Fixed Penalty Notices accounts for an unnecessary disturbance of the amenity of a local community. With recent statistics showing that Fife has an alcohol-related death rate that sits well above the UK average at 139% it is clear that the alcohol problem in Fife must be met urgently and effectively.
“The SNP Government must stop relying on blanket minimum pricing as the solution to the problem of alcohol in our communities. What we really need are measures which address Scotland’s alcohol problem that are actually based in evidence, not hope. I would like to see an increase in tax on problem drinks such as alcopops and strong cider. This will actually be effective in curbing alcohol misuse and anti-social behaviour.”
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