Castle Point MP Bob Spink is calling for tougher laws to tackle what he claims are "soaring" levels of alcohol-fuelled violence.
Mr Spink said analysis of Home Office crime statistics had revealed offences of personal violence across Castle Point had soared by 82 per cent since 1999, with alcohol cited as a key cause.
The Tory MP said: "The first issue is to give the police more resources and reduce their bureaucracy so they can spend more time on our streets.
"The police do a tough job and need better support from politicians."
Under new Conservative policies:
Councils would have greater discretion over licensing hours
There should be stronger powers to control late licences to stop "disorder hotspots" where there are too many bars or pubs
Councils should have the ability to prohibit promotions where young people are encouraged to binge drink.
Sgt Paul Saunders from Rayleigh police said there was a problem with youths and alcohol but the solutions had to come from more than just the police.
Published Tuesday August 17, 2004
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