Devon's Crime Commissioner takes national lead to reduce alcohol misuse
Devon and Cornwall’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg is taking a national lead in the battle to cut alcohol related crime and harm, which is estimated to cost the country £11 billion annually.
Mr Hogg will chair a national PCC group which has a clear vision to reduce alcohol misuse and the associated huge cost for policing and health. It will focus on changing attitudes, deterring offenders and tackling irresponsible supply.
Eight other Commissioners have so far joined Mr Hogg in the cross party group, which has four main aims:
- Campaigning nationally and locally for improvements to the legislative framework
- Raising awareness and educating drinkers to drive cultural change and reduce levels of harmful behaviour
- Working in partnership with policing, health, third sector and industry partners to deliver a joined up and effective response
- Helping to build the evidence base on alcohol related crime and harm
Mr Hogg will be the spokesman for the group.
“The public will know that I have made tackling alcohol related crime and misuse a clear priority in Devon and Cornwall,” said Mr Hogg
“We have already made some good progress, but there is a clear need to bring PCC’s together to send out a clear and powerful united message to the national decision makers.
“As the public’s elected representatives we have a strong collective voice, and we are well placed to make a real difference.
“For example, we will lobby for a reduction in the drink drive limit, and the introduction of minimum unit pricing. We will be working closely with police chiefs and officers.”
Mr Hogg and other Police and Crime Commissioners are launching their action plan during National Alcohol Awareness Week (Nov 17 – 23). They are attending the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) Partnership Summit in Harrogate, which brings together PCC’s from across the country.
