A range of recommended approaches have been set out to address the public health impacts of the night-time economy (see Box 8).
Box 8: Recommended approaches to tackling the public health impacts of the night-time economy 2
Define what is needed by identifying problems at local level, based on data and intelligence. For example:
- mapping of crime data and licensed premises to identify hotspots
- mapping of areas of high concentration of licensed premises and areas with alcohol recovery services to target local areas of concern
- using information from Accident & Emergency departments
- carrying out surveys of residents and patrons of the night-time economy.
Develop a programme of coordinated actions to address the problems identified. This could include:
- addressing transport needs
- enforcement (such as a licensed premises enforcement database to monitor crime, disorder and public nuisance)
- increasing access to medical support
- monitoring of new applications for licences to inform appropriate public health response
- licensing controls (such as early-morning alcohol restriction orders, or late night levy)
- minimum unit pricing, to reduce access to cheap alcohol.
Engage and co-ordinate relevant agencies, stakeholders and local communities. This can include:
- public health input to multi-agency reviews of licensing applications
- other partnership actions to promote joint working on reducing potential adverse health impacts of the night-time economy
- working with local organisations and premises to promote non-alcoholic drinks as a socially acceptable option.
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References
- London Drug & Alcohol Policy Forum, Department of Health, Greater London Authority, “Tackling alcohol problems in the night time economy,” 2012
- London Drug & Alcohol Policy Forum, Department of Health, Greater London Authority, “Tackling alcohol problems in the night time economy,” 2012