Brighton shops agree to stop selling super-strength alcohol

Brighton and Hove City Council has launched a new initiative in partnership with Sussex Police to help reduce binge drinking in the town. The scheme, called Sensible on Strength, is a voluntary scheme that aims to encourage local licensed shops and bars to stop selling beers, lagers and ciders that are above 6% alcohol by volume. The scheme will also introduce some new good practice measures, including CCTV, a refusals system and documented training.

Brighton and Hove City Council has four licensing objectives that the scheme should help to achieve: prevention of public nuisance, prevention of crime and disorder, protection of children from harm , and public safety.

Sussex Police’s Chief Inspector Simon Nelson said: “We know that super-strength alcohol is brought with the sole intention of getting drunk fast and this has a profound effect on both the community and those who are alcohol dependent. A vast majority of licensed traders in the city work closely with us to run lawful, successful businesses, but we all need to recognise that super-strength products have no part to play within responsible trading.”

The government recommends that women drink no more than two or three units a day, and men no more than four units. A single can of super-strength lager contains four and a half units.

Councillor Powell said: “We have been working on this scheme for some time through our licensing activities and contact with residents, the police, businesses and councillors.”

In August one off-licence in Brighton had its licence revoked for providing street-drinkers with extra -strong alcohol. Brighton appears to be taking a tough line on anti-social drinking.