Norfolk and Suffolk launch Alcohol Diversion Scheme

Two forces are at the forefront of a new campaign designed to reduce binge-drinking by offering to reduce fines for drunken behaviour if offenders agree to attend alcohol awareness courses.

Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies and both police and crime commissioners (PCCs) have backed the Alcohol Diversion Scheme, which will see those apprehended for drink-related offences handed a £45 on-the-spot fine if they take up a place on an awareness course, or charged £90 if they opt out.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Newcomb, of Suffolk Constabulary, said tackling alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour was a high priority for the force and the programme “will have a long-lasting and positive impact for communities across the county”.

He said: “Alcohol-fuelled crime, regardless of how minor, can have a significant impact on people’s quality of life and this scheme will aim to reduce offending by educating people about the consequences of their actions while supporting personal responsibly and accountability.”

Inspector Ed Brown, from Norfolk Constabulary’s Licensing Team, added that his regular patrols of Norwich during weekends and nights illustrated the impact of binge-drinking on crime.

“This scheme will act as a first-level intervention and gives people the opportunity to stay clear from the courts for a drunken mistake on a night out,” he said.

Suffolk PCC Tim Passmore was so concerned about alcohol misuse that he made it his monthly priority for July, claiming binge-drinking has “a truly devastating effect on our society, both nationally and locally”.

“I really hope this programme will help anti-social drinkers to modify their behaviour in future,” he said.

Stephen Bett, PCC for Norfolk, added: “If this scheme is as successful as the restorative justice programme that we run in Norfolk it will be extremely worthwhile.”