Press Comment - House of Common Science and Technology Committee Report on Alcohol

Press Comment - House of Common Science and Technology Committee Report on Alcohol 

Issued by Paul Blakey MBE, Founder of  Street Angels - Christian Nightlife Initiatives (CNI) Network and Adam May, Director of Development of  Street Angels - Christian Nightlife Initiatives (CNI) Network 

Monday 9th January 2012 - Immediate Use

In light of a report by the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee released today (Monday 9th January), Street Angels - Christian Nightlife Initiatives (CNI) Network is urging MP's to enter into a larger debate around the future of the night-time economy at the same time as promoting safe and sensible drinking. As a charity, we believe this is an area of real concern visible week in and week out which is why we are calling on the MP's to discuss this vital issue.  

With around one hundred local projects, working in towns and cities during the night-time economy, our teams of volunteers see the damage and potential danger alcohol can cause. 

Thankfully in the towns where Street Angels, Town Pastors, NightLight, and similar projects operate the culture seems to be changing from binge to better. Restaurants, coffee and cocktail bars, theatres and cinemas all have a place within our communities at night which help broaden the appeal and make our town and city centres nicer places to be.

Street Angels - CNI Network encourage safe drinking and safe night's out. Violent crime and sexual assaults can be reduced and our towns and cities can become safer places at night. Although welcoming this debate by the government, the key and challenge is ensuring partnership work between statutory agencies, businesses within the night-time economy, voluntary and faith sector and people of goodwill who care about others and the wider community are to be encouraged and strengthened. 

Now is the time for MP's to act and join the debate as we address the needs of those committed to supporting those most at risk in the night time economy. 

Paul Blakey MBE 
Founder of Street Angels - Christian Nightlife Initiatives Network

Adam May
Director of Development of Street Angels - Christian Nightlife Initiatives Network

END

Picture: People from Local Projects across the UK meet at Houses of Parliament for a Summer 2011 reception to celebrate all that is achieved within the night-time economy.