Alcohol charity says new changes to licensing laws are still too weak
Thursday 04 February 2010
The government today announced new measures giving local authorities power to make blanket changes to opening hours of licensed premises in problem areas of alcohol-related crime and disorder.
The new rules would mean that, where disorder or public nuisance cannot be attributed to particular individual premises, local authorities would be able to limit late opening across an entire area.
The ban will operate between 3am and 6am in respect of all premises selling alcohol, including pubs, bars, clubs, supermarkets and convenience stores. It could be imposed all week or only on particular days of the week.
In response to the move, Alcohol Concern’s Chief Executive Don Shenker said:
“This announcement is a belated acknowledgement that the government has not been able to tackle alcohol-related crime and disorder effectively on behalf of local residents.
“These changes will still not allow residents any greater say over local licensing issues – a travesty for those who’ve had to suffer alcohol-fuelled night time disorder for too long.
“The government urgently needs to add a public health objective to the Licensing Act and must create new mechanisms for residents views to be considered.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
- Alcohol Concern Chief Executive, Don Shenker is available for interview. Please use contact as above.
- Information on the new rules submitted in the Crime and Security Bill can be found on the DCMS website.
- Alcohol Concern is the national agency on alcohol misuse campaigning for effective alcohol policy and improved services for people whose lives are affected by alcohol-related problems.
- Alcohol Concern is a membership body working at a national level to influence alcohol policy and champion best practice locally. We support professionals and organisations by providing expertise, information and guidance. We are a challenging voice to the drinks industry and promote public awareness of alcohol issues.