Evaluating the Impact of Breathalysers on Alcohol-Related Violence: Quasi-Experimental Evaluation

• In Event: Macro-Level Issues in Crime Prevention Strategies

Abstract

The phrase ‘binge and brawl' culture (Measham & Brain, 2005) is used to describe alcohol related violence in the evening and night-time economy (ENTE) in the UK, which has been identified as a national concern. The current study is the evaluation of a crime prevention pilot study called the #RU2drunk initiative. The pilot aimed to reduce alcohol related violence by providing pubs and clubs in the ENTE area with breathalysers to assist door staff identifying individuals who were too drunk to enter the premises. Breathalysers were distributed to 23 pubs/clubs in the area intending to deter pub/club-goers from drinking excessively before going out and to prevent displacement. Using a quasi-experimental design, the crime statistics in this town were compared to the crime data from the year prior as well as to a neighbouring seaside town. The results show that violence against the person (excluding domestic abuse) in the night-time economy area dropped by 39% overall, while in the neighbouring town there was a 19% rise. The paper concludes discussing the implications these results have for policing and crime prevention in times of austerity.

Authors

• Katharine Boyd, University of Exeter

• Hannah Farrimond, University of Exeter

• Neil Ralph, Devon & Cornwall Police Force