Fine waived for alcohol classes

Fife Police want to target anti-social behaviour involving binge drinking

Drunken offenders will escape police fines if they agree to attend an alcohol programme as part of a new pilot scheme launched in Fife.

Binge drinkers in Kirkcaldy are being targeted in the initiative by Fife Constabulary, who want to reduce alcohol-fuelled crime.

Half of all incidents reported last year concerned anti-social behaviour, usually involving drink, police said.

If successful, the six-month pilot may be extended to other areas.

The classes will be run by Fife Alcohol Support Services (Fass).

Assistant Chief Constable Andrew Barker said: "Anti-social behaviour and low level crimes contribute to a wider fear of crime within our Fife communities.

"This project is a first in Scotland and offers Fife Constabulary the opportunity once again to be involved in a programme that seeks to address the root cause of alcohol abuse."

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Police and alcohol support workers want to encourage sensible drinking

Anti-social behaviour offences accounted for 50% of all recorded crimes and a third of all calls to the police in 2007/08.

Fife Constabulary issued 1,897 fines relating to anti-social behaviour in 2008, mostly for alcohol-fuelled offences.

Jim Bett of Fass said: "It is far easier to deal with alcohol-related problems at an early stage, before drinking behaviour becomes entrenched within a person's self image or self esteem or ability to relate to friends and family.

"Alcohol Diversion aims to reduce binge drinking, and will promote the sensible use of alcohol and healthier lifestyle."

Officers will give leaflets about the scheme to offenders who are issued with a fine for alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.

Fass will then send a letter inviting them to a session, and if they attend the £40 fine will be waived.