Scotmid Co-operative Licensing and Compliance Manager Ian Lovie received a national award for his role in reducing underage drinking and anti-social behaviour in Edinburgh.
As part of the East Edinburgh Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) which was set up three years ago, Lovie received a CAP Community Champion Award from Tommy Sheppard, MP for Edinburgh East, at the launch of the national Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) Impact Report 2016 at Westminster on November 14, 2016.
Sheppard said: “I am delighted that this award recognises Ian’s dedication and commitment to tackling underage drinking and the harm it brings to our young people and communities.
“Ian Lovie has been an important member of the East Edinburgh CAP since its creation and is an enthusiastic partner in the development of new CAPs across Edinburgh and Scotland.”
CAPs bring together retailers, local authorities, police, schools, neighbourhood groups and other stakeholders to tackle the problem of underage drinking and associated anti-social behaviour.
CAP’s 2016 Impact Report shows how they are empowering communities to tackle alcohol-related harm to young people and improve the quality of life for residents.
The report provides evidence of reductions in crime, anti-social behaviour, litter, and underage purchasing of alcohol and increased feelings of safety by residents in CAP areas.
Local partners’ evaluations show that on average, in CAP areas
- alcohol-related youth anti-social behaviour fell by 40%
- confiscations (police seizures) of alcohol from under 18s drinking in public fell by 85%
- attempted purchase of alcohol by under 18s fell by 75%
- attempted “proxy purchase” of alcohol by adults on behalf of children fell significantly (ranging from 41% – 65%)
There has been an 90% reduction in alcohol seizures from young people in and an 18% reduction in alcohol-related crime in Edinburgh since the CAP was set up.
Launching the Impact Report, Minister for Vulnerability, Safeguarding and Countering Extremism Sarah Newton said: “It is clear that Community Alcohol Partnerships are playing an important role in reducing young people’s alcohol consumption and protecting them from the harms caused by alcohol abuse.
“The Government is committed to building a safer Britain that works for everyone and I am impressed with the work that CAPs are doing across the UK, to protect and support young people in our society.
“Alcohol-related violent crime has fallen – but it is clear that alcohol misuse has a significant impact on young people and their communities across the country, and partnerships such as this are an effective way to tackle this issue.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird QC, said: “Easy access to alcohol can sometimes put young people at greater risk of a range of dangers.
“CAPs play a vital role in bringing key stakeholders together to tackle underage drinking, helping to keep young people and communities safe.
“I would also like to congratulate all involved for their hard work and commitment to making a real difference through CAPs in their areas.’’
Derek Lewis, Chairman of Community Alcohol Partnerships said: “Ian has made a tremendous contribution to the success of the East Edinburgh CAP.
“Local partnerships of communities and retailers working together to provide tailor-made solutions to underage drinking in their areas are a powerful and effective way to protect children and create better and safer neighbourhoods.”