Chloe Smith MP leads campaign to tackle irresponsible alcohol sales and consumption in Norwich, supports minimum pricing

MP for Norwich North, Chloe Smith, is continuing her campaign to reduce the impact of irresponsible alcohol consumption and sales across the City.

She meets regularly with local partners including Norfolk Constabulary, the Ambulance Service, pub and venue managers to discuss strategies for managing the health and social consequences of binge drinking.

On recent night shifts spent with both the police and ambulance crews, she witnessed firsthand the effects of cheap alcohol on the City’s streets; the strain put on NHS resources and the often dangerous work done by the police to control alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour.

As a local MP, Chloe is deeply concerned about the effect of this on residents. She passionately believes that Norwich should be a safe and fun City, where everyone can enjoy the rich nightlife on offer.

Chloe recently met with the team from Best Bar None, an award scheme to incentivise responsible alcohol sales by pubs, bars and clubs in the City. She believes venues have their part to play to prevent binge drinking and its consequences and continues to work closely with them on the issue.

Chloe dropped in for a chat with Emma and Pam, the landladies at the Brickmakers in north Norwich, to discuss venue management. The Brickmakers is a lively and friendly music venue, but Emma and Pam take their responsibilities as landladies very seriously and always have valuable insights into the relationship between pubs and their local communities.

Chloe comments:

“During my time as a Minister in the Treasury, I helped introduce a Minimum Unit Price for alcohol, which will prevent supermarkets and others selling booze harmfully below cost.  It will boost Norwich pubs by putting them on a level playing field with supermarkets.  That’s a practical thing I have achieved and I’m proud to say it will help my constituents.”