The cocktail for violence
In western society alcohol consumption is frequently condemned as the major cause
of our social ills, violence and public disorder in particular. Every weekend people are avoiding their town or city centre for fear that they will be attacked or intimidated by drunken youths.Though the popular suggestion "alcohol is the blame of violence" may be oversimplified.
Cameron Mitchell investigates...

During Labour's electoral campaign in 1997, the current Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, pledged that a new Labour Government would "call time" on drunken thugs. Stating that "Every year there are almost 1.5 million victims of violent attacks committed by people under the influence of drink (excluding domestic violence)".

Despite these claims, the Home Office has noted that (at present) there are no accurate methods available to assess the direct relationship between alcohol and patterns of violence. There are also no official statistics collected systematically making it impossible to obtain a feasible account of 'alcohol-related' violence at a national level. One problem in current statistics (e.g. Accident and Emergency reports) is that the definition "alcohol-related" can lack consistency, occasionally implying a casual relationship between alcohol and violence.

Nonetheless, it is of popular opinion that violence is more likely to occur in the presence of alcohol consumption. The United Kingdom certainly has a serious problem of alcohol-related violence. This behaviour is even evident on the most casual examination of activity as we walk down Belfast's 'Golden Mile' on Saturday nights.

The Home Office Standing Conference on Crime Prevention (1987) suggested that approximately twenty-four percent of assaults occur in or near places of public entertainment, most being in connection with pubs or clubs. It has also been reported that every year there are around eighteen thousand young people scarred for life as a result of alcohol-related violence. Many of these are facial injuries caused by 'glassings', in which a beer glass has been used as a weapon (MCM Oxford). Although alcohol is generally regarded as the primary cause of 'night-time economy' violence, there is increasing scientific evidence showing that it is less a result of alcohol's pharmacological properties and more a product of coexisting psychological, social and cultural factors.

For example, violence is more common in environments characterised by an abrasive or unfriendly atmosphere, discomfort and poor service - and highly unlikely to occur in clean, comfortable, friendly and well-managed drinking contexts (SIRC).

In a recent publication for the Policing and Reducing Crime Unit, Ann Deehan suggested that by controlling elements of the physical and social drinking environment the potential for alcohol-related violence would be reduced:
"Attractive and well-maintained licensed premises have fewer violent incidents. Discounted alcoholic drink promotions and 'happy hours' should be avoided. Serving food tends to be associated with fewer incidents of aggression. Staggered closing times can reduce the numbers of people on the streets at the same time looking for transport and food. The social environment can be influenced by expecting drinkers to behave in a socially acceptable way and by staff actively discouraging any anti-social behaviour".

Last month UK pub-chain, Wetherspoons (incidentally one of the UK's fastest growing businesses with 640 outlets across the country), announced that they are planning to ban "foul-mouth language" from their premises in attempt to create a more "friendly environment". Some drinkers feel that this is an extreme measure. But for Belfast City centre resident Mr. Smyth something needs to be done to curb the anti-social behaviour both inside and outside Wetherspoons Bedford Street premises.

Mr. Smyth explained to The Other View that, "There is always a heavy presence of drunk young people shouting and fighting outside the bar, even after it has closed. On the May bank holiday I saw ambulances sitting outside. I always avoid walking past the doorway. I am disgusted that this happens in the city centre near tourism spots". Wetherspoons, who are renowned for serving cheap drinks, have stated that they are aware of the recent bank holiday disturbance and are "looking into ways of tackling violent behaviour". The company added,”We sell our drinks at competitive prices and it’s never been a problem anywhere else”.

One proposal for controlling licensed environments is through a national strategy as highlighted by Ann Deehan's publication. This report identifies key educational and situational factors that can reduce the likelihood of problematic behaviour in public houses, such as registered doormen schemes and availability of fast food and transportation.
A survey conducted by the SIRC, 'Alcohol and Violence', concludes that, "attempts to restrict consumption of alcohol are likely to be unsuccessful in preventing or reducing problems of disorder and violence. A more effective approach would involve measures designed to improve the management of drinking environments and, even more importantly, educational measures designed to preserve and promote more positive beliefs about the behavioral effects of alcohol".

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