Tackling Alcohol-Related Anti-Social Behaviour through Civil Injunctions and Criminal Behaviour Orders: A Missed Opportunity?

A new report released by Alcohol Concern/Alcohol Research UK explores the current use and issues over legal powers available to address alcohol-related Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB).

The Government estimates that alcohol misuse costs the criminal justice system £11bn every year, though the report states this is likely to be a significant under-estimation. Indeed the figure has been used since the 2003 Cabinet Analysis estimating total costs to society of £21 billion, though has since been subject to repeated calls for a comprehensive update.

The report highlights six legal powers introduced by the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 intended to support frontline agencies in tackling anti-social behaviour. These include Civil Injunctions (CIs) and Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs), which have replaced Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs), though consultation with stakeholders only identified the use of CBOs.