Drunks in Devon could be charged for their time in custody.
Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg has pledged to "explore every avenue that will help resolve this alcohol related crisis" including charging drunks for their time in custody.
Alcohol is thought to have been involved in more than 10,000 violent attacks last year while the overall annual cost to society in Devon and Cornwall is estimated at massive £366 million.
Mr Hogg urgently wants to see the introduction of minimum unit pricing for alcohol and has written to all political party leaders asking them to make the same manifesto commitment ahead of next year's General Election.
The commissioner has now confirmed he is looking at proposals which would see boozed-up yobs charged for their time in custody – in addition to criminal punishments such as fines.
A 12-hour stay custody costs Devon and Cornwall Police about £245.
"I wish we didn't have to consider further regulation in this because I am very clear that it is the drinker that is the problem," Mr Hogg said.
"The drinker who cannot control their behaviour when they are drunk should be made to bear the consequences of their actions.
"I would like to explore whether we can charge drinkers for their time spent in the cells.
"Police officers have to ensure that they remain safe overnight, often we have to call in medical assistance. It is the taxpayer that pays for all of this.
"Police officers that are looking after drunks in the cells are not patrolling the streets. Doctors and nurses that do the same are being diverted away from more deserving patients.
"My office and I will continue to explore ways to make the problem drinker bear more responsibility for the harm and cost they create that they create.
"I will explore every avenue that will help resolve this alcohol related crisis that we suffer in Devon and Cornwall.
"Minimum unit pricing will impact on the supermarkets. Better use of licensing provisions to impact on poor licensees that do not control the sale of alcohol in their own premises should have more restrictions placed upon them and eventually have their license removed."
The Association of Chief Police Officers floated the idea of establishing "drunk tanks", which are common in some European countries and the United States, late last year.
It believes a commercially-run operation – for which people would effectively have to pay for their care – would free up officers and act as an added deterrent.
The Home Office has said local communities "are best placed to take action in response to local problems".
Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Paul Netherton said: "I think it is a really good idea and we welcome the chance to work with the commission to see how we can implement it."
