UK emergency services back drinking restrictions

British police, fire and ambulance services have put pressure on the government to end so-called “24-hour drinking” and introduce minimum alcohol pricing following a survey by the Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS).

The survey found that 75% of police officers and 50% of ambulance staff have been injured as a result of alcohol-related violence.

Of the 4,022 police officers surveyed, 92% of them said that they had to perform the job of another emergency service when dealing with alcohol-related incidents.

Just over half of the 398 ambulance that responded to the research said they had been sexually harassed or assaulted by intoxicated people.

The report recommends “reducing the affordability of alcohol” through minimum unit pricing, lowering the drink-drive limit and local authorities making “more assertive use of licensing powers”.

However, industry representatives have criticised the study, saying that it promotes “myths” around levels of drinking and licensing rules.

Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association said: “We will be studying this report, but 24-hour drinking is very much a myth, as on average, pubs close less than half an hour later than they did under the previous Licensing Act.

“UK alcohol consumption is falling overall and is down 18% since 2004,” she said.