The latest violence figures from Accident & Emergency data are now published - Violence in England and Wales 2006: An Accident and Emergency Perspective

There is no firm evidence that changes in Britain's licensing laws have reduced its heavy drinking culture, a senior government health adviser has said. Professor Sir George Alberti, an adviser to the Department of Health on accidents and emergencies, said a new study showing that 6,000 fewer people have needed hospital treatment since pub opening hours changed in November 2005 was not conclusive proof that people were consuming less alcohol or that there was less alcohol-related -violence.

"We need more evidence that there has been a change in a heavy drinking culture which continues to concern us," he told the Financial Times. According to the study, published by Cardiff University's violence research group, there was a 2% drop in the number of people needing treatment for violent injuries last year compared with 2005. The study analysed data from 33 accident and emergency departments across England and Wales.

Professor Jonathan Shepherd, director of the study group, said: "We estimate 364,000 people needed hospital treatment for assaults last year. That is still too many, but it is encouraging to see the trend is downwards and the feared effect of the licensing law change has not materialised."

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Contributor: Libby Ranzetta Alcohol Policy UK
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