Related crime and disorder
- Alcohol and the law
- Drinking in public
- Drink driving
- Drugs and the law
- How drugs are classified
- Possessing drugs
- Intent to supply and dealing
- Restrictions on other substances
Alcohol misuse is a major contributor to crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour, with alcohol related crime costing society up to £7.3 billion per annum.
The British Crime Survey shows that in 2001/02 47% of all victims of violence described their assailant as been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the offence. The comparable figure in 2000 was 40%. Half of these incidents occur in or around pubs and clubs, 70% of them took place on weekend evenings.
It has been estimated that 47% of violent crime, which includes stabbings and beatings, are committed whilst the offender is under the influence of alcohol, together with 45% of all domestic violence.
The British Crime Survey identifies that 33% of stranger and 25% of acquaintance alcohol-related assaults happen on weekday evenings/nights.
Alcohol and the law
Even though it's not illegal to drink alcohol at home if you're under 18, it's healthier if you don't. If you do want to drink, you should only do it with a parent or another responsible adult.
It is illegal to try and buy alcohol at a bar or at any shop until you reach 18. It's also against the law for anyone to try and buy it for you.
You're actually allowed to go into family areas of a pub from the age of five, but only if they have a special ‘children's certificate'. Once you reach 14, you're allowed to go anywhere in a pub, but you won't be able to buy any alcohol.
16 and 17-year-olds can order and drink beer, wine or cider with a meal at a restaurant or pub where food is served. You can only do this if there is an adult with you.
The police can now stop people under 18 if they think they may be carrying alcohol.
If you are stopped and you're carrying alcohol, the police can confiscate it. It's also an offence to be regularly found in possession of alcohol.
Drinking in public
Some towns in the UK have banned drinking in public places like parks, town squares or city centres. Some transport companies have also banned drinking on buses and trains. If you are drinking alcohol in a public place, you can be stopped by a police officer and have your drink taken from you. You can also be fined or arrested.
Drink driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal and very dangerous. It puts you as a driver, any other passengers in your car, other drivers and pedestrians in danger of serious injury.
If you are stopped by the police and found to be driving with too much alcohol in your body, you:
- will lose your licence for at least 12 months
- will get a criminal record
- will be given a fine of up to £5,000
- may face a prison sentence of six months
Drugs and the law
Drugs are categorised into three classes based on their overall level of harm. Class A drugs are the most dangerous and Class C drugs are less dangerous. However, all the drugs in all three classes are harmful and are addictive.
Remember that all categorised drugs are illegal, even Class C drugs like GHB and ketamine. If you're caught selling them onto other people, or carrying a small amount in your pocket, it's likely that the police will get involved. If you're found guilty of any of these offences, you may face a fine or time in custody. Class A drugs carry the most severe sentences.
Be wary of other so called legal highs. The law was changed in April 2010 to change the classification of a group of previously legal highs to illegal Class B drugs. This includes the drug mephedrone (or MCAT).
Just because a substance claims to be legal, it doesn't mean it's safe. They can be filled with a range of potentially dangerous chemicals, and exactly what they contain changes all the time. You can never be certain what you have bought, and what the effects might be.
It's not just drug dealers who will be arrested if they get caught in the act. Carrying drugs for personal use can land you a large fine or time in prison too. It's a good idea to understand the laws surrounding drug classifications, possession and intent to supply.
How drugs are classified
All drugs are put into one of three categories, according to how dangerous they are. It's worth remembering that different drugs affect people in different ways. Just because a drug is not ‘Class A', it can still be very dangerous.
The three categories of drugs are Class A, Class B and Class C.
- Class A drugs have the most harmful effects. These drugs include heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and LSD.
- Class B drugs are considered less dangerous than Class A ones but they can still be harmful. These include speed, cannabis, mephedrone and some amphetamines.
- Class C drugs are considered less dangerous to the user than Class A and Class B drugs but they are still illegal. These include ketamine, GHB and some tranquilisers.
Possessing drugs
If you're caught with drugs in your pockets or in your bag, you can be charged with possession, even if it's not yours. If you're under 17, the police can tell your parent or guardian.
The punishment for drug possession depends on the type of drug that you were carrying and whether you've been in trouble with the police before.
If you were carrying a Class C drug and you don't have a criminal history, you'll probably receive a formal warning or a police caution. If you're found with Class A or B drugs, or if you have a history of drug offences, you're likely to face a tougher punishment.
The maximum sentences for carrying each class of drug are:
- up to seven years in prison or an unlimited fine (or both) for a Class A drug
- up to five years in prison or an unlimited fine (or both) for a Class B drug
- up to two years in prison or an unlimited fine (or both) for a Class C drug
Even if you only deal drugs to friends or don't exchange any money, these sentences are likely to increase heavily.
Possessing cannabis
Cannabis is now classified as a Class B drug. If you are caught carrying some, police will confiscate it and you may be arrested, even if it's your first time. What the police will do depends on the circumstances and how old you are.
Over 18s
If you are over 18 and caught in possession of cannabis, the police are likely to:
- give you a cannabis warning for a first offence of possession
- give you a Penalty Notice for Disorder (an on-the-spot fine of £80) for a second offence
- arrest you if it is the third time you have been caught with cannabis; this could lead to a conviction and a criminal record
Aged 10 to 17
If you're between ten and seventeen and caught in possession of cannabis, the police will confiscate the drug and may arrest you. They may also refer you to a Youth Offending Team (YOT) and are likely to:
- give you a reprimand and tell your parents what has happened if it is the first time you've been caught
- give you a final warning and refer you to a YOT if it's your second offence
- arrest you if it is the third time you have been caught with cannabis, which could lead to a conviction and a criminal record
Possessing mephedrone
Mephedrone, or meow meow, used to be legal to buy in the UK over the internet.
Following the deaths of several teenagers who had been taking the drug, mephedrone (and related cathinone substances) has now been classified as a Class B drug. This means it is illegal to sell, buy or possess. Importing mephedrone into the UK has also been banned.
Intent to supply and dealing
If you are found to be supplying or dealing drugs, the punishment is likely to be tough. Supplying drugs doesn't just apply to dealers. If police think you're going to share drugs with your friends, this is still considered to be supplying.
Being suspected of supplying drugs means you are much more likely to be charged. The amount of drugs found on you, and whether you have a criminal record, will be taken into account when a punishment is being decided.
The maximum sentences for intent to supply drugs are:
- up to life in prison or an unlimited fine (or both) for a Class A drug
- up to 14 years in prison or an unlimited fine (or both) for a Class B or Class C drug
Restrictions on other substances
There are also restrictions on the sale of certain legal substances which can be harmful if misused. Such as:
- it's against the law for a shop to sell solvents, cigarette lighter refills and certain glues to under 18s if they believe that you'll use them as a drug
- if you're under 18, you will not be allowed to buy alcohol, cigarettes, cigars or tobacco
This page was last updated on 21 March 2011
