THE CONNECTED CITY
A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY FOR BRIGHTON & HOVE

Issues of concern & current position

The impact of alcohol in Brighton & Hove is considerable.  Although alcohol supports the night-time economy and tourism, people can be a victim of alcohol-linked crime and disorder such as violence, sexual violence and abuse, criminal damage, late night noise and other anti-social behaviour. 

Alcohol-related violence occurs both in a public place and a domestic setting.  While the number of assaults in the city has been declining, the city continues to have a poorer profile than the average of all local authorities on nearly all measures of alcohol-related crime, health and alcohol consumption and on many measures it is significantly worse.  The number of alcohol-related deaths remains a significant issue.

Alcohol remains easily affordable and accessible for many young people and underage consumption of alcohol is a problem.  The local Safe and Well at School Survey 2013 found that 76% of 14-16 year olds had tried alcohol and 35% frequently drink to get drunk, although this is a slight improvement on the position in 2012.