More than 3,000 north easterners join the frontline
Thousands of north easterners backed the region’s frontline staff by telling Government they’ve had enough of the problems caused by alcohol misuse.
The ‘I have a drink problem’ campaign, which was launched by Balance, the North East Alcohol Office, highlighted the problems caused by cheap alcohol faced by nurses, police officers, firefighters and paramedics on a regular basis.
Residents and public sector employees across the region were encouraged to support the Government’s intention to tackle the sale of drink at pocket money prices and 3,500 did just that by completing a post card setting out their views on alcohol price and legislation.
Sue Taylor, Partnerships Manager at Balance, said: “We’re pleased that our region took the opportunity to have its say on the important issue of alcohol sold at pocket money prices. It is only by voicing our concerns that we will be heard and the North East has spoken.”
Police officers, nurses, paramedics and firefighters across the region backed the six week campaign, which was launched on August 9. They were joined by landlords, bar staff, taxi drivers and others in professions who experience the darker side of drink.
Sue added: “Alcohol misuse is having a devastating effect on many of our communities and families and the lives of professional frontline staff in the North East.
“Alcohol is too available in too many places at too many hours of the day. Local communities need the powers to turn back the tide. We welcome the Government’s intention to change the licensing laws to give more control back to local communities and take action against irresponsible licensees without affecting the livelihood of those landlords who play a critical role in our communities.
“At the end of the day, we want communities where alcohol plays a role in bringing people together, not isolating them and creating problems for the frontline staff in our public services.”
The opinions have been fed into a Government consultation on the way alcohol is priced and sold.