Innovation, alcohol & violence

It is now a fairly common practice for the police to hand out lollipops to late night clubbers as they spill out onto the streets in the early hours of the morning. Here is one story for example from a local newspaper: http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/1058566.lollies_prevent_booze_violence/

West Oxfordshire Local Area Commander, Chief Insp Dennis Evernden said: "Research shows the sugar content helps to stabilise the behaviour of those who have consumed alcohol."

This is great innovation for several reasons:

• It works
• It is evidence based
• It is cheap
• It has several positive outcomes (including reducing noise levels and helping to create a better relationship between police and clubbers) as well as the main one
• It is fun!

Thanks to my associate Gary Purser for reminding me of this innovative strategy