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.”
Alcohol Concern