London Mayor, Boris Johnson in talks with UK government to implement a scheme in the capital that will involve people being made to pay for twice daily alcohol testing if they have been convicted of an alcohol related crime. If they test positive then they will have go to court where a judge will decide on possible jail sentence. It is hoped that this will address the growing issue with alcohol related crime in London which is the highest in the UK.
The scheme has been successfully introduced in the US state of South Dakota where there has been a sharp decrease in drink related crime as a result.
The Deputy Mayor for Policing, Kit Malthouse is quoted as saying “The scheme could be an alternative to prison or be used in conjunction with a custodial sentence, and would not cost the taxpayer a penny because individuals would have to pay for the tests themselves.”
Don Shenker, Alcohol Concern’s Chief Executive has voiced his apprehension at the scheme and the long term benefits of it by saying ”What we really need is to provide offenders with the opportunity to learn how to change their drinking behaviour through brief advice and support. Enforcing a period of sobriety will not necessarily change problem drinking in the long term. Local alcohol arrest referral schemes already operate in England, are very effective and should be rolled out nationally.”
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