Staffordshire Police

Alcohol misuse, especially binge drinking, is believed to be a factor in many offences, including violence, sexual assault, disorder and anti-social behaviour.

Not only are people who drink heavily more likely to offend, men and women are at increased risk of suffering assault and injury when they are drunk. It is believed up to half of violent crime is alcohol related.

Excessive drinking creates problems in every section of society. Police are heavily committed, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, to dealing with town centre violence and disorder.

Those living near pubs and clubs are more likely to experience the nuisance and distress of late night disturbance and anti-social behaviour. Hospitals and ambulance staff are stretched to handle the influx of patients injured in assaults or unwell through drink. Both police and health care staff are at increased risk of verbal and physical abuse from those who have been drinking heavily.

Local authorities - and through them every taxpayer - is put to the expense of clearing up the rubbish and criminal damage which is left behind. Families and friends of those who misuse alcohol suffer from their behaviour and there is a cost to industry in days missed through hangovers and alcohol-related illness.

People are also at increased risk of injury when they are very drunk as they are less likely to realise hazardous situations and more likely to take risks. This could mean not avoiding someone who could be aggressive, taking an unsafe shortcut when walking home, not being careful about what is eaten or drunk or accepting a lift from someone not known.