Overview of Alcohol Action Ireland

Established in 2003, Alcohol Action Ireland (AAI) serves as the national independent advocate for reducing alcohol harm, focusing on lifting the burden of alcohol harm from individuals, communities, and the state. AAI’s efforts encompass advocacy, research, and information provision, with a particular emphasis on implementing the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018. The organisation plays a pivotal role in raising awareness of alcohol-related harm and offering policy solutions to mitigate these effects.

The Interconnection Between Alcohol and Crime

Alcohol consumption is intricately linked to crime and antisocial behaviour, contributing significantly to public order offences, domestic violence, assault, and murder, as well as rape and sexual assault. Although it is challenging to pinpoint the exact number of crimes caused by alcohol use, studies estimate that alcohol is associated with 30% to 65% of assaults, disorderly conduct, and other social code incidents. Justice Paul Kelly, President of the District Court, noted that if alcohol disappeared overnight, the courts could close, as alcohol pervades nearly all offence categories, including public order and assaults, and significantly impacts family law and childcare cases.

Alcohol’s Broader Societal Impact

The repercussions of alcohol-related crime and antisocial behaviour extend beyond the individuals directly involved, affecting entire communities, society, and the economy. It severely influences perceptions of safety and security, especially in urban centres. Numerous studies have confirmed a positive correlation between alcohol consumption and criminal violence rates, suggesting that increased drinking leads to more violence, while reduced consumption results in less violence.

Statistical Insights on Alcohol and Violence

The Institute of Alcohol Studies has presented robust evidence linking alcohol availability to violence, indicating that as opportunities to purchase alcohol increase, so do violence levels. The Health Research Board estimates that 30% to 65% of certain crimes are associated with alcohol use. The World Health Organization (WHO) findings further align with this, revealing that one-third to one-half of violent perpetrators had consumed alcohol before the incident.

Economic Costs of Alcohol-Related Crime

The costs of alcohol-related crime are multifaceted, encompassing direct costs to the criminal justice system—such as policing, prison, and court expenses—as well as indirect costs like lost productivity and costs borne by crime victims. Research in Australia found that the largest alcohol-related crime costs fell on victims, followed by prison and policing costs. In Ireland, the costs of alcohol harm, including crime, are estimated to be around 1.9% of GDP, equating to approximately €9.6bn to €12bn annually. Crime-related costs are about 11% of this total, suggesting that alcohol-related crime costs the state €1-1.3bn each year.

Alcohol-Related Violence in the Home

Domestic violence related to alcohol often goes unreported, making it challenging to calculate its full economic and human costs. Research indicates a strong association between alcohol retailer density and increased violence, assault, and domestic violence rates. In Ireland, 73% of the population lives within 300 metres of a licensed premises, with off-licence numbers rising by 95% from 2003 to 2021. Nearly 50% of all alcohol in Ireland is purchased on the off trade, impacting domestic violence rates significantly.

The Role of Alcohol in Sexual Assaults

Alcohol consumption is often involved in sexual assaults, though it is crucial to stress that responsibility for such assaults always lies with the perpetrator. In Ireland, 76% of rape defendants had consumed alcohol at the time of the alleged offence. The Rape Crisis Network Ireland identifies alcohol as the most common drug used in sexual assaults.

Impact on Road Safety

Alcohol impairment is a leading factor in road safety, contributing to road collisions and fatalities. Drink driving accounts for 11% of the total cost of alcohol-related harm in Ireland. More than one-third of road user fatalities involved alcohol consumption prior to the incident, with 5,527 drink driving incidents recorded in 2022.

Alcohol and Youth Crime

Alcohol plays a significant role in youth crimes, with alcohol and/or drug use often being the main offences leading young people to engage with law enforcement. Research shows that 86% of probation services clients aged 18-24 reported alcohol and/or drug use, with 38% linking alcohol to their crimes.

Data Limitations and the Underestimated Role of Alcohol in Crime

Despite its significant role, the impact of alcohol on crime is often underestimated due to underreporting, particularly in minor offences, and insufficient data collection. Comprehensive and consistent data collection is essential for understanding the full impact of alcohol-related crime on society.

Strategies for Reducing Alcohol-Related Crime

Reducing alcohol consumption through controls on price, marketing, and availability is seen as a primary strategy to curb alcohol-related crime. Reaching the government’s target of reducing alcohol consumption to 9.1 litres of pure alcohol per capita is crucial. The Cardiff Model for violence prevention is recommended, involving systematic data collection, research on violence risk factors, and implementing effective interventions.

Source: Alcohol Action Ireland