The Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Sixth Report of Session 2008-09 – ‘The Licensing Act’ published 14 May 2009, showed concern that ‘the relaxation of rules on premises’ closing hours have not diminished law and order problems, but have merely moved them on or two hours later than previously’. It also criticised the licensing process as ‘too bureaucratic, complicated and time consuming’.
Commenting on the Report , Alcohol Concern Chief Executive Don Shenker said:
“This damning report shows that the government’s expectation of a cafe-style drinking culture was simply naive. Under the Act, people who visits pubs and bars regularly are still at more risk of violence than those who do not, and about a fifth of all violent incidents are committed in or around pubs and clubs.
“The Committee is right to recommend that the density of venues be considered when licenses are granted, however local authorities should also be required to take local public health into consideration when deciding if another venue should open.
“The high level of crime and disorder related to alcohol needs to be tackled by wider measures as well, such as applying a minimum price to alcohol to crack down on very cheap sales which encourage irresponsible drinking.
Alcohol Concern