Alcohol summit to examine the harm drinking causes in Finsbury Park

A summit in Islington - the first of its kind in the borough - will examine the harm caused by alcohol to local communities and residents.

Islington Council, NHS, police, London Fire Brigade, community members, voluntary sector groups and other partners are meeting on 21 September to look at issues including:

* ill-health and early death through excessive drinking

* treatment and support

* underage sales

* anti-social behaviour

* licensing

* links between alcohol and domestic violence

Professionals, volunteers and community representatives from across the borough will identify priorities and actions to cut alcohol-related harm, sharing expertise and resources.

Cllr Janet Burgess, Islington Council's executive member for health and well-being, said: "We're on the side of residents, who are concerned about the harm alcohol causes in our community.

"We have called the summit because we realise that there isn't a simple answer to the problem and we want to bring in professionals from different areas, in a way that's not been done before in Islington."

"We want a fairer Islington for all our residents and stopping alcohol from damaging lives is vital."

Sarah Price, Islington's Director of Public Health, said: "Alcohol has a major impact on the health of Islington residents.

"People often link binge-drinking to teenagers; however drinking at above national recommended levels (men should not regularly drink more than 3 to 4 units a day and women should not drink more than  2 to 3 units a day) occurs across all age groups.

"Many people are not aware of the effect their drinking could be having on their health, including increased chances of liver damage, high blood pressure and some cancers, and increasing the awareness of what is meant by sensible drinking is really  important.

"Close partnership working between the  NHS, the council, police and other local agencies is vital in tackling this important issue."

Islington's borough commander Gerry Campbell said: "We know all too well what kind of impact alcohol can have on individuals, families and communities.  

"This impact ranges from health problems to the perpetration of anti-social behaviour and crimes such as criminal damage and serious assaults.

"This summit provides an excellent springboard for our joint action to making Islington a safer and fairer borough for all."