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.