The Negative Effects of Alcohol Consumption

There have been negative views associated with drinking alcohol such as the negative consequences individuals may experience, which range from long term health problems for example: liver disease and strokes, to short term social problems such as anti-social and deviant behaviour and more prominently crime. The Criminal Justice Act 1967, s.91(1) states [Any] person who in any public place is guilty, while drunk, of disorderly behaviour is guilty of an offence. The Licensing Act 1872, s.12 states that it is an offence to be ‘found drunk in any highway or other public place, whether a building or not, or on any licensed premises. The Licensing Act 2003, s.142 states a person commits an offence if, on relevant premises, he knowingly obtains or attempts to obtain alcohol for consumption by a person who is drunk.

Recently, alcohol related crimes have risen dramatically and the importance and repetition of these crimes have been universally recognized. Alcohol related crimes are usually referred to two main categories: driving under the influence of alcohol, to offences against people and criminal damage. Alcohol has been recognized as one of the most prominent influence in a high number of assault crimes; for instance in murder, rape and muggings, hence the idea that people who consume alcohol are more likely to display violent behaviour has been widely acknowledged (Felson 2007). In Britain 6.4 million British adults are heavy drinkers; males consume 21-50 units a week; while females consume 14-35 units a week. 1.8 million British adults are very heavy drinkers; males in excess of 50 units a week and females in excess of 35 units a week. Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggest that people who claimed the...

... middle of paper ...

...nberg (1981) argued that the definitions of alcohol are ambiguous and the relationship between alcohol and crime is not very understandable.

In conclusion, a substantial relationship between consuming alcohol and committing crime is apparent as a positive correlation between alcohol and crime can be seen, which must not be ignored. Additionally, it can be argued that if alcohol were to be banned or controlled in consumption then that may prevent people from becoming violent, hence crime is less likely to occur. This could happen if were the government were to introduce efficient alcohol legislation. Overall, it can be said further research is needed to achieve a better insight into the link between alcohol consumption and crime, but in order to gain valid results from the research it must be carried out in a small area to produce accurate and reliable results.