Violent attacks 'linked to alcohol'

Booze isn't always as attractive as it seems

A quarter of all adults in the UK have suffered violence linked to alcohol, according to a survey released on Thursday.

The figures also show that 90% of people are unaware of the legal limit for drink-driving. (80mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood)

The research was carried out on behalf of the Portman Group, a body set up by the alcohol industry to promote sensible drinking.

They also found that eight out of ten people want a ban on drinking in some public places, but nearly half do not think the police will be able to enforce it.

Licensing laws

The group has used the survey to renew its call for licensing laws to be relaxed, so that drinking times can be "staggered", to avoid binge drinking.

However, the pressure organisation Alcohol Concern told BBC News Online that this is only part of the answer.

"Getting drunk tends to be seen as a bit of a joke," said its director Eric Appleby. "But we need to change people's perceptions so we understand the impact of alcohol on everyday lives.

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"If the drinks industry is now taking this seriously, then we are getting somewhere."

Other research into alcohol abuse has shown how significant its effects can be.

According to the Government, eight out of ten cases of criminal damage are committed by people who are drunk.

Half of all pedestrians killed in traffic accidents had consumed alcohol.

And the British economy loses £3.3bn a year as a result of drink-related illness, unemployment and premature death.

The Government has promised an Alcohol Strategy, to examine the whole issue, from tackling alcohol-related crime to improving health promotion messages.

However, Eric Appleby says ministers have been dragging their feet, and the strategy is needed more urgently than ever.