Local Alcohol Partnerships schemes have confirmed their support for the second round of the Home Office’s 33 Local Alcohol Action Areas (LAAAs2) announced by the Home Office.
33 local authorities will take part in the second round of LAAAs – a two year programme set out in the Home Office’s Modern Crime Prevention Strategy. It aims to reduce alcohol-related crime and disorder, and diversify local night time economies through strong partnerships between local authorities, the police, health partners and businesses.
LAAAs2 will develop targeted action programmes based around the five themes set out in the Home Office’s Modern Crime Strategy and Local Alcohol Partnerships schemes are offering their support to help areas deliver their plans.
Sarah Newton MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Vulnerability, Safeguarding and Countering Extremism said:
“Local Alcohol Action Areas demonstrate the Government’s commitment to work with industry, police, local authorities and other partners to make our streets safer.
“Violent crimes involving alcohol have fallen over the last decade – but it is clear that alcohol misuse has a significant impact on communities across the country.
“Our pubs, bars and restaurants make a valuable contribution to our economy and our society and it is important that people are able to enjoy them without the fear of becoming a victim of crime.”
Commenting on the programme, Sarah Hanratty, Interim Chief Executive for the Portman Group which coordinates the Local Alcohol Partnerships schemes said:
“We warmly welcome the second round of the LAAAs; and the opportunity to support local communities in reducing alcohol-related harm and creating safe and thriving night time economies. Drinks producers and retailers have an important role to play and are committed to reducing the harms related to alcohol misuse through their support of the Local Alcohol Partnership schemes; a range of initiatives that work to make local communities safer and create great places for people to live, work and socialise.”
“We welcome the Home Office’s recognition that partnerships which include the police, public and private sectors are helpful in delivering action on the ground and look forward to providing tailored support for the LAAAs.”