What we know so far

The Regional Public Health Group - London has undertaken a number of projects that have helped us to begin to understand the concerns and views that Londoners have regarding alcohol. Initial dialogues with the following groups have resulted in some preliminary findings, some of which are listed below.

• London based alcohol practitioners
• London alcohol leads and commissioners
• Community representatives
• Service users

Some Initial Findings

Communities feel that they do not get enough support in order to deal with the negative impacts of alcohol. This lack of voice and empowerment is perhaps the key take-out from the survey results, and one that needs to be explored further by all the stakeholders involved, both public and private.

Some individuals have called on communities themselves to take a larger role in dealing with the issue by becoming involved with the decision making process for granting licences, curbing the number of outlets.

"In my area, every small shop seems to have a license and be selling more alcohol than other items, all displayed very prominently, with no time restrictions on sales. And easily accessible."

There is also a genuine concern about the health problems being stored up for the future as a result of the current binge drinking culture that exists. Londoners believe that alcohol is far too widely available and currently too cheap.

"The impact is appalling and depressing. I think it is probably the biggest problem we face in our communities at the moment because it is so widespread and affects so many people."

Further findings have been captured in two reports, which we believe provides a foundation for a more robust debate across London.