Fine Drunk Brits

Call to fine public drunks £100

Alcohol consumption has been rising for the last 15 years

People should be fined £100 for being drunk in public, even if they do not cause a nuisance, a leading medic says.

Plastic surgeon Peter Mahaffey told the British Medical Journal police should carry breathalysers and fine those three times over the drink-drive limit.

The Bedford Hospital medic said his suggestion came after seeing patients injured in drunken fights and disorder.

The government rejected the idea, saying the police already had the ability to deal with problem drinking.

We think the government would be much better to force bars and clubs not to serve people when they have had enough Alcohol Concern spokesman

Mr Mahaffey said he had been motivated to speak out after seeing patients with facial scarring and nerve injuries sustained during drunken disorder.

He criticised the decision announced in this week's Budget to raise taxes on drinks.

"Why should we all pay when many drink responsibly?

"We are also part of a European community where taxes are generally low. I am not sure it is the best way of tackling the problem."

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If someone is drunk and not causing a problem, then it's no-one's business but their's

Steve Edwards, Bishop's Stortford

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He said by imposing fines the message would soon get across that binge-drinking was not acceptable.

"I think as a society we have had enough. We need to send out a strong message.

"The levels of drinking and the harm it is causing is depressing. I see people with terrible injuries that they will never recover from. Now is the time to act."

Consumption

Alcohol consumption has been rising steadily for the past 15 years, with figures suggesting a third of men and a fifth of women drink more than the recommended levels each week.

Alcohol is a factor in the majority of crimes and is estimated to cost the economy £7bn a year.

But the Home Office said the proposed extra powers were unnecessary.

Police already have powers to fine people between £50 and £80 who are drunk and disorderly - although under Mr Mahaffey's plans they would not need to be causing a nuisance to be punished - and ban drinking in public places.

A spokesman said: "We recognise that while most people adopt a safe and sensible approach to alcohol, there are a minority whose drunken behaviour leads to violence or anti-social behaviour.

"The government is determined to tackle those who act in this way."

And an Alcohol Concern spokesman added: "We would not support this. There are already laws in place to tackle drunken behaviour.

"We think the government would be much better to force bars and clubs not to serve people when they have had enough."