25 October 2007
In brief
People arrested for alcohol-related offences may have to cough up for counselling to help them curb their drinking habits under a new pilot scheme launched by the Home Office. Funding of £330,000 has been given to Drug and Alcohol Action Teams in Manchester, Liverpool, Cheshire and Ealing to pilot Alcohol Arrest Referral Projects (AARP) until March next year. Following a drink-related arrest, police will decide whether to refer the offender to a resident alcohol specialist who will advise on unit strengths, the effects of alcohol on the body, and strategies for reducing the risk of offending.
