07 March 2008
Local government leaders have attacked the government's determination to retain the Licensing Act while putting the onus on councils to deal with related problems.
Local Government Association chair Sir Simon Milton hit out at the legislation, which the government had hoped would reduce problems caused by binge drinking, particularly among young people.
Milton criticised the 2005 Act, which he said was stretching police resources and disrupting communities. 'The real problem about alcohol violence going later into the night is not simply to do with the clock.
'First of all, if you are a resident who's disturbed at night and it's three o'clock in the morning, your chances of getting back to sleep after that are much less, but also policing resources are being stretched further into the night.'
The government published its review of the Licensing Act on March 4 and concluded that the laws should remain in place. The review says alcohol consumption is down overall and crime has fallen, although there is a problem with alcohol-fuelled violence between 3am and 6am.
The law allows pubs and clubs in England and Wales to apply for later or 24-hour licences to serve alcohol.
Licensing minister Gerry Sutcliffe admitted the situation was mixed. 'We are not complacent – we know we need to rebalance the act in favour of better enforcement.'
As part of a wider alcohol sales crackdown, a tougher system of red and yellow cards will be introduced for landlords and shopkeepers who breach licensing laws.
The government has also announced that it will include a 'two strikes and you're out' rule for off-licences caught selling alcohol to people under 18. The latest figures from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport show that 92 licences were revoked in 2007 across England and Wales.
PFmar2008
