Catherine McKinnell, MP for Newcastle North, has tackled Home Office Ministers on their plans to deal with binge drinking, and alcohol-related crime and disorder, following the Government’s u-turn on minimum unit pricing.

Speaking during Home Office questions in the Commons this afternoon (27^th January), Catherine highlighted the Late Night Levy introduced in November by Newcastle City Council, the revenue from which is split between the local authority and Northumbria Police to address the problems caused by excessive drinking. She went on to raise concerns about the availability of cheap alcohol, and challenged apparent attempts by Ministers to bury research into the potential benefits of minimum unit pricing.

Catherine commented afterwards:

‘Alcohol–fuelled crime, which is often violent, costs around £11billion a year across England and Wales. New ways of tackling this issue – such as Newcastle’s Late Night Levy – are important, and have seen a reduction in city-centre crime.

‘But this does nothing to tackle the very real problem of pre-loading on cheap booze, usually from supermarkets, with responsible bar and hotel licensees often left picking up the costs.

‘It’s clear that the Government’s policy on tackling alcohol-related crime and binge drinking is in tatters, and reports that the Home Office tried to suppress information about minimum unit pricing, ahead of their recent u-turn on this issue, are very concerning.

‘Newcastle’s night-time economy is a vital part of our city, supporting many thousands of jobs. Ensuring that those enjoying a night out aren’t put off by the unacceptable, drink-fuelled behaviour of a small minority means addressing all aspects of this problem. Unfortunately, Ministers don’t seem to know whether they are coming or going on this issue.’