Oral Answers to Questions

Henry Smith Excerpts

Monday 15th October 2012 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

13. What steps she is taking to empower local communities to tackle alcohol-related antisocial behaviour.

[Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con)]

14. What steps she is taking to empower local communities to tackle alcohol-related antisocial behaviour.

[Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con)]

17. What steps she is taking to empower local communities to tackle antisocial behaviour caused by the abuse of alcohol and drugs.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Browne]

I am delighted that there are a number of excellent PCC candidates in the hon. Gentleman’s area, although I am not necessarily sure that I would endorse the one that he has just brought to the House’s attention. I commend the scheme in his area, because it is an extremely good idea for licensed premises to work together to combat antisocial behaviour.

[Henry Smith]

Will the Minister join me in congratulating the Crawley and Gatwick Business Watch? It is pursuing a scheme of labelling so that it can identify where and from which stores alcohol is sold and whether there is alcohol abuse. It also has a system whereby high-strength alcohols are kept under the counter and have to be requested. Will the Minister meet the group?

[Mr Browne]

There is value in alcohol labelling, so that shops and other licensed premises that sell alcohol inappropriately, for example to minors, can be more easily traced and the activity prevented. We are keen to see such innovative practice where it is appropriate.