Judges warn licensing changes could increase violence

The government’s controversial new licensing laws could lead to an increase in rapes, domestic violence and serious assaults. Judges have warned.

A report by the Council of Her Majesty’s Circuit Judges warned that alcohol-fuelled crime could rise once the new licensing laws, which allow 24-hour drinking, come into effect on November 24.

The report said: “Those who routinely see the consequences of drink-fuelled violence in the offences of rape, grievous bodily harm and worse on a daily basis are in no doubt that an escalation of offences of this nature will inevitably be caused by the relaxation of liquor licensing, which the government has now authorised.”

The report also expressed anger that the judges had not been consulted on proposals to change the licensing legislation.

Police chiefs have also expressed concerns about the Licensing Act. In a report published by the Home Office, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) said that there was a “strong link” between the increase in disorder and the rise in late-night premises. The ACPO warned that the new laws could see towns in Britain becoming more like holiday resorts. The report said: “One only has to look to popular holiday destinations to see the effect of allowing British youth unrestricted access to alcohol.”

The government has argued that the more flexible new laws would reduce the problem of binge drinking and introduce a more ‘continental’ style drinking culture in Britain.

The Conservatives have supported the judges’ report. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today’ programme, party leader Michael Howard said: “We have said that this Act should not be brought into effect until binge drinking has been brought under control and I’m afraid we’re a very long way from that.”

The Licensing Act will allow all licensed premises to extend their opening hours past 11pm.

However, the British Beer and Pub Association said that 90% of its members had only applied to extend their opening hours by a couple of hours and not the full 24 hours.

(KMcA/SP)