The multi-agency approach unveiled to confront the problems caused by drinking in the Bradford district is intended to tackle a multitude of problems under one banner.

There is little doubt that a significant proportion of society’s ills can be attributed in full or in part to the demon drink, although it is also important to stress that many people can and do drink responsibly.

So the idea of a coherent strategy to tackle not only the effects and the aftermath of drinking, whether it be violence on our streets or self-inflicted illness or injuries, but also the causes and possible treatment of alcohol-related problems, is a welcome one.

With the pressures the current economic climate places people under, it is unsurprising that more and more people turn to alcohol to try and ease them.

So the timing of this Alcohol Awareness Week is very appropriate.

It is vital that the effect of our society’s ongoing relationship with alcohol is highlighted by this campaign.

It is not simply enough to say drinking makes people behave irresponsibly.

People need to be shown the consequences, whether it be the effect of casual violence on the street or the damage that can be inflicted on their own body.

Hopefully, that will make people think twice about excessive drinking.

And for those who continue to abuse the bottle and as a result abuse, insult and assault other members of society, punitive action needs to be taken.

Let’s hope this combination of education, information, enforcement and treatment help to reduce the mounting bill we are all facing for the blight of our booze culture.