Effect of Culture and Law on Alcohol-Related Crime in the UK - Research Paper Example

Since the late eighteenth century, the drinking culture has become very strong in Britain. The abundance of drink providing centers brought about a change in consumption patterns; and served to transform the perception regarding public drinking, among the denizens of UK. These changes enhanced incidences of violence and sexual harassment, by perpetrators, who were intoxicated. In this manner, there was an increase in alcohol-related violence, which in turn generated public concern about the consumption of alcoholic drinks (Valentine, Holloway, Knell, & Jayne 2008: 30).

The Englishman was renowned for gentlemanly behavior and restraint, which has been rendered a mockery by the extant situation in this once noble nation. The consumption of alcohol, in excess, can be attributed to a number of cultural influences. The decline in drinking amongst the labor class, in the late nineteenth century, due to the availability of new avenues for entertainment, like music halls, football, cigarettes, and holiday tourism. There was a Great Depression, between the First and Second world wars.

However, many of the workers witnessed an increase in wages during that period (Easton, 2010). It is a sad commentary upon the British that their national pastime has been confined to drinking to excess and watching football. During participation in the latter activity, violent incidents are common, and these are the handiwork of the drunken spectators.  Despite the growth in wages, the spending on drinking did not increase; and the contention of many regarding this surprising trend was the availability of alternate attractions that were affordable.

Some of these included radios, gramophones, gardening, cinema and places where one could play billiards and snooker (Easton, 2010). There is a close interrelation betwixt alcohol and crime. The British Medical Association has categorically stated that 70% of murders and stabbings, and half of the domestic assaults and brawls, were related to the consumption of alcohol. The pernicious effect of alcohol is not restricted to just this area, and 88% of the individuals, who had been apprehended for criminal damage, and 83% of those who had breached the peace, 41% of those who had committed theft, and 26% of those who had committed a burglary had consumed strong drink, within a four hour period, prior to the commission of such acts (Dingwall).

Moreover, considerable concern was generated in society at large, due to the unseemly behavior of drunken members of the citizenry, in public places; and the significant damage that had resulted from such uncouth drunken conduct. There are several undesirable drinking habits, like excessive intake of alcohol to dependence on alcohol, which constitute problem drinking. Vulnerability to such patterns of drinking is increased by environmental and genetic risk factors (Jethwa 2009: 29). Despite the common practice of stereotyping alcoholics, in reality, the term typical alcoholic proves to be a misnomer.

From this perspective it becomes obvious that the legislative initiative of the government, in the context of the consumption of alcohol, would be directed at reducing the number of persons indulging in binge drinking; and would not be seized with bringing about a reduction in the number of individuals that were dependent on alcohol. In addition to alcohol consumption screening, it would be preferable for healthcare professionals to comprehend the socio-psychological factors involved, prior to recommending voluntary forbearance regarding the consumption of alcohol (Jethwa 2009: 29).

Legislation can only reduce the number of persons, who drink to excess; but it cannot hope to reduce the number of persons who are addicted to alcohol. One of the traits of alcohol is that it drastically reduces a person’s inhibitions. Therefore, under the influence of alcohol, individuals do not hesitate to perform activities, which they would have not performed, under normal conditions. Alcohol has been employed as a means of socializing and it helps to reduce informality between people, when consumed in moderate quantities.

In addition, it encourages people to intermingle with others, and even with comparative strangers. In parties, alcohol produces a friendly and convivial atmosphere (Alcohol and Crime).