Officers spearhead campaign to promote alcohol awareness

During Alcohol Awareness Week, which starts on Monday, agencies from the Bradford district safer communities partnership will join forces to encourage people to learn their limits and highlight the work that goes on all year round to tackle problems caused by alcohol.

The campaign, which is part of a national drive to raise awareness of the effects of alcohol misuse and promote sensible drinking, will see police step up operations against drink driving, underage drinking and alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour.

Officers will join Bradford Council, health, education and alcohol treatment providers by running awareness raising sessions and encouraging residents to "Know your limits".

Chief Superintendent Alison Rose, chair of the Bradford district safer communities strategy group, said: "Tackling drunkenness, anti-social behaviour and alcohol-fuelled violence is a key priority for police in Bradford. Alcohol is often linked to violent crime and we are determined to tackle this across the district.

"Our message is simple, if you enjoy a drink, don't overdo it. Know your limits and never get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you have had alcohol."

Guidelines on lower-risk drinking from the chief medical officer for England recommend men do not drink more than three to four units daily and women do not drink more than two to three units daily. It is also advised to have two alcohol free days per week.

It is estimated that more than a quarter of the population in England drink more than the guidelines for lower risk drinking.

Of these, 2.6 million adults regularly drink at greater risk levels.

Greg Fell, public health consultant for NHS Bradford and Airedale, said: "Over the past decade, alcohol misuse has increased, binge drinking has risen dramatically and alcohol-related hospital admissions have soared. Sadly we are starting to see younger people presenting with chronic liver disease caused by alcohol.

"Most people are aware that drinking alcohol is related to liver disease, but what they often don't realise is that regular drinking has also been linked with strokes, heart disease and some cancers."