Your recent report ‘Campaign failed to solve drink problem’ (the Argus, July 12) is misleading.

The city’s Sensible on Strength campaign has not failed and is in fact supported by 95 off-licence retailers. Most of these are in the city centre, and all have voluntarily committed not to sell higher strength beers, lagers and ciders favoured by street drinkers.

The independent local charity Equinox has strong contacts with the city’s street drinkers and reports very positive outcomes.

Of the ten highest profile street drinkers known to the charity, eight have switched to lower strength alcohol because of the campaign.

It is now the exception, rather than the rule for street drinkers to consume higher strength alcohol. This is in stark contrast to the situation 12 months ago. In addition Equinox report that several street drinkers who had refused support from drug and alcohol services for years, have now sought to engage, prompted by the lack of availability of higher strength alcohol.

There will of course always be those determined to buy higher strength beers, lagers and ciders and prepared to travel to find it. However, this campaign has succeeded in changing the behaviour of most of the highest profile street drinkers and has been successful beyond our expectations.

Furthermore, neighbouring councils, such as Arun District are adopting the same campaign.

This is not the end of street drinking nor is it the demise of higher strength beer, lager and cider sales in Brighton & Hove. Far from being a failure, the Sensible on Strength campaign continues to be quite a success.

Dr Tom Scanlon

Director of Public Health

Brighton & Hove City Council