Scheme to tackle alcohol-fuelled violence 'encouraging'

A project to curb alcohol-fuelled violent crime in Welsh cities is showing results, a new report has said.

South Wales Police targeted bar staff and drinkers in Cardiff and Swansea.

Of those surveyed after intervention, 54% now "pre-load" with drink before going out - down from 63% - and 36% think it is hard to have fun if they are not drunk, down from 46%.

A report by the Centre for Public Health said the results were "extremely encouraging".

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales Police, Sophie Howe, said: "This report is essential in helping us to... identify how we can do even more to tackle binge drinking.

"We are delighted to see such positive results at such an early stage."

The campaign was launched during the Six Nations rugby tournament and will run all year, with the next phase coming when new students start at university.

Of the bar staff surveyed, 61% now know it is illegal to serve alcohol to somebody who is already drunk, compared to 48% before.

The report's lead author, Zara Quigg, said: "Such results are extremely encouraging, however, further intervention is required to continue to prevent drunkenness and associated harms in nightlife settings in south Wales."