Counselling for problem drinkers

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Criminals arrested for drink-related offences are to be forced to undergo counselling as part of a £1m Home Office scheme.

Offenders with drink problems will be sent to alcohol specialists for advice on reducing their consumption in a pilot scheme in nine areas of England.

The plan aims to cut reoffending by making criminals understand they have made mistakes.

But the plan was dismissed as a "drop in the ocean" by the Tories.

The Home Office alcohol arrest referral projects will be set up in north-east Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Cleveland, Bristol, Swindon, Leicestershire and Rutland, Stoke on Trent, Cumbria and Islington.

'Face consequences'

Criminals given a caution could be made to attend the sessions and face charges if they do not turn up.

Home Office minister Alan Campbell said: "Most people enjoy drinking sensibly but those who drink excessively and cause trouble should expect to face up to the consequences.

"The alcohol arrest referral sessions are not an easy option. They aim to cut re-offending and so make our towns and city centres more pleasant places by making offenders realise their mistakes."

Re-offending rates had halved in one area where the scheme was in operation, he added.

If successful, the trials could be extended to April 2010.

Shadow home secretary Dominic Grieve said: "This is yet another gimmick from Jacqui Smith's Home Office.

"Given the extent of the problems unleashed by Labour's reckless policy of 24-hour drinking, this response is pitiful - and scarcely a drop in the ocean of the sustained action we need to get to grips with alcohol-fuelled violence in Britain today."