Controlling pre‐loaders: alcohol related violence in an English night time economy

Abstract

Purpose -The aim of this paper is to focus on the impact of alcohol pre-loading on behaviour in the night time economy (NTE).Design/methodology/approach -The project was commissioned by Devon and Cornwall Police. During the course of six months in late 2010/early 2011, 597 arrestees were asked a series of questions relating to their drinking patterns on the evening prior to their arrest.Findings -The research shows that there is a shift from the traditional ''pub-club'' drinking pattern to a ''home-pub-club'' pattern where excessive early evening drinking is occurring in the private sphere in the absence of external control. Moreover, pre-loading has become a key aspect in the drinking patterns of many of the NTE population with around 50 per cent of people drinking significant quantities of alcohol prior to entering the NTE. It also demonstrates that those that pre-load self-report higher levels of drinking and thus higher levels of intoxication than those that do not.Research limitations/implications -Findings are constrained by sample bias, as all informants came from the criminal justice system. Social implications -When looking specifically at the relationship between pre-loading and violence, the research showed that there is a relationship between high levels of self-reported intoxication and self-reported feelings of aggression, especially in males. This manifested in the NTE as flash points which seemed to occur at entry points to pubs and clubs. Those pre-loaders that were arrested for violent crimes cite excessive drinking as the significant factor in their behaviour. The research concludes that pre-loading alcohol prior to entering the NTE is a major challenge to those charged with keeping order in and around city centre pubs and clubs.Originality/value -The paper adds to the discourse on alcohol related violence in the night time economy, and the negative consequences of pricing drinkers out of licensed premises.

Method of transportation and drinking among club patrons

“…For example, given the high levels of “pre-loading” that contributes to the high exit BACs, groups could develop a plan for limiting in-club drinking and watching for signs of acute intoxication. In addition, patrons who exit alone and drunk may be at increased risk for being a victim of theft or assault (Barton & Husk, 2012; Carpenter, 2005; Stitt & Giacopassi, 1992; Wells, Graham, Tremblay, & Magyarody, 2011). Certain sub-groups may be more vulnerable to violence and victimization if they leave the clubs intoxicated and unable to manage their safety upon exiting.…”

‘Drink a 12 box before you go’: pre-loading among young people in Aotearoa New Zealand

“…Research consistently shows significant associations between pre-loading and higher levels of overall consumption, antisocial behaviours and violence (Hughes et al 2008;Barton & Husk 2012). Labhart et al (2013) employed a computermediated mobile phone monitoring design to compare outcomes with and without pre-loading, and found it was associated with nearly twice the volume of consumption and significantly higher levels of harm.…”

Using simulation modelling to examine the impact of venue lockout and last‐drink policies on drinking‐related harms and costs to licensees

“…pubs, bars) and public ‘commercial’ (e.g. nightclubs) venues over the course of a Saturday night 26 . The model tracks individuals agents' alcohol consumption, spending and whether or not they experience verbal aggression, ‘consumption‐related harms’ (drink more than their pre‐determined physiological limits) or ‘transport‐related harms’ (have difficulty getting home).…”

“…nightclubs) venues over the course of a Saturday night. 26 The model tracks individuals agents' alcohol consumption, spending and whether or not they experience verbal aggression, 'consumption-related harms' (drink more than their pre-determined physiological limits) or 'transport-related harms' (have difficulty getting home). A detailed model description is provided in Appendix A and parameters used for the model are in provided in Appendix B (see the Supplementary file available with the online version of this article).…”