Police target alcohol
In a move supported by Accident Compensation, the police may interview people to identify where they had their last drink. This seems to include not only those behind the wheel of a car, but also violent offenders, those involved in domestic violence and even rape victims.
It seems laudable enough. Let's find the cause behind the crime and if someone is lagging drunk enough to start a fight then the pub that served their last four triple vodkas may be liable.
There are dangers here, not just in police time use and possible time wasted, but in making the police endlessly broaden the net and raise new unanticipated charges (or investigation) based on heresay provided by an offender who is drunk; and then, not being able to make the charges stick.
Making the vendor responsible for the crimes of others is one thing, but encouraging responsible drinking (if there is such a thing) may have some impact. It also raises the issue that the advertising of alcohol is just as responsible as the errant alcohol vendor.
And an interview that reveals the corner wine shop as the culprit may lead to the dead end of "Yes officer, I did sell that 40oz bottle of whisky to the suspect. He was quite sober and rational at the time," may not actually deal to the cause of domestic violence.
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