Areas which have the highest prevalence of pubs and off-licences are beset by issues with crime, a charity has claimed

Crime rates are soaring in areas where the most alcohol is sold, a charity has said.

Research carried out by Alcohol Focus Scotland has revealed that crime is up to eight times higher in areas of Scotland with most alcohol outlets.

Prepared with the Centre for Research on Environment, Society and Health (CRESH) at the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, the study revealed that neighbourhoods in Aberdeen, Moray and South Ayrshire were among those worst affected.

The research has prompted the charity to call for licensing boards to refuse applications to open new premises in problem areas.

Chief executive Alison Douglas said: "There is no action that a licensing board can take to reduce the number of licensed premises, however, they do have the ability to prevent further increases.

"It is their duty to act in the public interest and where their communities are suffering, they should be applying the brakes."

Will Linden, the acting director of the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, said: "We know that Scotland has a toxic relationship with alcohol that fills up our A&E departments and prisons. Around half of violent crime in Scotland is linked to alcohol.

"We must address the current over provision of alcohol in our towns and cities and create a more positive environment for everyone, especially our children.”

The report showed that crime rates were on average four times higher in areas with the most pubs, clubs and off-licences, with alcohol deaths and hospitalisations twice as high.

Researchers found there were 40% more alcohol outlets in the most deprived neighbourhoods than in the wealthiest parts of the country.

A minimum price of 50p per unit will be introduced in Scotland on 1 May, which Alcohol Focus has said will help save lives alongside other actions to curb the country’s relationship with alcohol.