By Claire Warrender

ALMOST THREE quarters of cases dealt with by Fife’s two accident and emergency departments at the weekend were alcohol related, the region’s community safety chairman has revealed.

This shocking statistic has prompted a pledge from Councillor Andrew Keddie that Fife Council will do all it can to combat binge drinking during the coming year.

With the festive season still in full swing, Mr Keddie made it clear that tackling the booze culture—a nationwide problem—was one of the local authority’s top priorities.

Among action to be taken is the introduction of training for licensees and bar staff, and moves to stop the promotion of cheap drink in pubs and clubs.

Already one Kirkcaldy nightclub has agreed to scrap a promotion offering a set entry fee in return for free alcohol all night, and another in Dunfermline could be set to follow suit.

In addition, a complaint by Alcohol Focus Scotland about a flyer used by a Dunfermline club is being investigated by the Advertising Standards Agency following claims it links alcohol to sex.

Mr Keddie said, “Fife Council is a member of the Fife Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) which has a specific action to reduce binge drinking in support of the national priority.

“Main actions for 2005-06 include implementation of the licensing boards’ Fitness Policy with priority areas for implementation of training for licensees and bar staff.”

DAAT is also looking into the feasibility of introducing registration for door stewards.

Mr Keddie said there was a particular problem in Kirkcaldy at weekends with up to 5000 revellers leaving two nearby nightclubs at the same time and clashing in the street.

There was also the safety issue of young women becoming more vulnerable to sex-related crimes when under the influence of alcohol.

He added, “We’re not against people enjoying themselves but we have to try to get on top of the situation and encourage them to drink moderately.”

Fife Police have stepped up visibility over the festive period and uniformed officers have been entering pubs to remind drinkers of their presence.

In addition, those suspected of drink driving are now being breathalysed at the side of the road instead of in the back of a police car as a deterrent to other motorists thinking about taking a risk.

Police have also recently launched a women’s safety leaflet offering tips including how to prevent drinks being spiked, and a campaign warning of the dangers of drunk pedestrians has been launched alongside the traditional drink driving campaign.

A video showing the consequences of drink driving is being played in pubs and clubs in a bid to hammer home the message.