Alcohol‐related crime in city entertainment precincts: Public perception and experience of alcohol‐related crime and support for strategies to reduce such crime

Abstract

Introduction and AimsBars, pubs and taverns in cities are often concentrated in entertainment precincts that are associated with higher rates of alcohol‐related crime. This study assessed public perception and experiences of such crime in two city entertainment precincts, and support for alcohol‐related crime reduction strategies.Design and MethodsA cross‐sectional household telephone survey in two Australian regions assessed: perception and experiences of crime; support for crime reduction strategies; and differences in such perceptions and support.ResultsSix hundred ninety‐four people completed the survey (32%). Most agreed that alcohol was a problem in their entertainment precinct (90%) with violence the most common alcohol‐related problem reported (97%). Almost all crime reduction strategies were supported by more than 50% of participants, including visitors to the entertainment precincts, with the latter being slightly less likely to support earlier closing and restrictions on premises density. Participants in one region were more likely to support earlier closing and lock‐out times. Those at‐risk of acute alcohol harm were less likely to support more restrictive policies.Discussion and ConclusionsHigh levels of community concern and support for alcohol harm‐reduction strategies, including restrictive strategies, provide policy makers with a basis for implementing evidence‐based strategies to reduce such harms in city entertainment precincts. [Tindall J, Groombridge D, Wiggers J, Gillham K, Palmer D, Clinton‐McHarg T, Lecathelinais C, Miller P. Alcohol‐related crime in city entertainment precincts: Public perception and experience of alcohol‐related crime and support for strategies to reduce such crime. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:263–272]

Impacts of licensed premises trading hour policies on alcohol‐related harms

“…Despite this evidence base, policy makers face significant challenges as they attempt to set effective but acceptable policies that enhance public safety while avoiding significant policy resistance. Alcohol is a prominent commodity in the Australian market place with various groups promoting its association with positive aspects of life, and is subject to community resistance to regulation of its availability and use [11,12]. There also remain uncertainties regarding the effect of restrictions or relaxation of trading hours on both on-and off-license venues in different contexts, and changing population characteristics over time.…”

Dynamic simulation modelling of policy responses to reduce alcohol-related harms: rationale and procedure for a participatory approach

“…These challenges include uncertainty relating to what interventions will deliver the greatest impact; competing views and agendas that can undermine effective implementation of interventions; and the need to remain responsive to changing circumstances that can increase service needs, while operating within resource constraints. [1][2][3][4] As a result of such challenges, the health sector is increasingly recognising the value of dynamic simulation modelling methods. These methods have long been used by other sectors to help address complex problems and optimise the use of limited resources.…”

“…1 Moreover, there are diverse views about the acceptability of evidence based harm-reduction options, advocacy for options that lack evidence, and industry concerns about interventions that are likely to impose additional costs or limitations on businesses. [1][2][3][4] Policy development in such a challenging context would benefit from robust and transparent decision-support tools, for which dynamic simulation modelling is well suited.…”

“…3 Transparency and stakeholder engagement in the policy development process, and consensus building are considered to be essential to gaining this support. 12 Facilitating stakeholder participation in collaborative simulation model building is one approach that can be used to improve stakeholder communication, advance contentious debates, gain consensus among stakeholders, aid transparency and translation of model outcomes to stakeholders, and garner broader support for collaborative action.…”

The effectiveness of an intervention to reduce alcohol‐related violence in premises licensed for the sale and on‐site consumption of alcohol: a randomized controlled trial

“…Alcohol is involved with 47% of all violent offences and an estimated 20% of all violence occurs in or around pubs, bars or nightclubs . While quasi‐experimental and similar studies suggest that intervention in premises can reduce harm , there is only limited evidence from methodologically sound trials to inform how policy can address violence, none of which have been conducted in the United Kingdom. Two systematic reviews of the international literature have been completed .…”