Tories fail to halt 24-hour drinking

A Conservative bid to delay the introduction of extended pub opening hours has failed.

The Tories last-minute motion to delay the full implementation of the 2003 Licensing Act was defeated in a Commons vote last night, by 302 votes to 228.

It is thought that many Labour rebels, who helped to defeat the government’s proposals to extend the detention period for terror suspects last week, either abstained from the vote or backed the government’s plans.

However, former Labour ministers Frank Fields and Kate Hoey are reported to have voted against the government on the issue.

The government has claimed that extended opening hours will help to tackle the problem of binge-drinking, although critics of the plans say that they will only worsen the problem and lead to more alcohol-related violence and disorder.

The Licensing Act also includes measures granting police greater powers to tackle alcohol-fuelled disorder, as well as venues that sell alcohol to under-eighteens and encourage irresponsible behaviour, with increased fines and expanded powers to close down premises.

On Tuesday, the government launched a £2.5 million campaign, aimed at tackling binge drinking. Home Secretary Charles Clarke admitted that it would not be possible to change Britain’s drinking habits overnight. However, he said: “It will take a long time, but we have got to take that first step.”

However, on Tuesday, Liberal Democrats home affairs spokesperson Mark Oaten said: "Judges, doctors and many senior police have repeatedly warned the Government against this course of action. Even the Home Office have launched an advertising campaign to crack down on drunk and disorderly conduct.

"Until binge drinking is under control, increasing the supply of alcohol will have a harmful effect on individuals and communities.

"We must avoid a Christmas crisis of excessive drinking in our streets and town centres. It would be wrong to proceed with this legislation before new laws on alcohol disorder zones are in place.”

On Monday, the House of Lords also voted to delay the implementation of the Licensing Act by six months, although the ruling is not binding on the government.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lords, Lord Strathclyde, said a delay was the “sensible approach” to a policy, which was “farcical and irresponsible”.

According to figures from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, around 70% of the 81,000 pubs in England and Wales have applied to change their licenses, although this does not necessarily mean that they will be changing their opening hours.

Around 700 premises, including pubs, supermarkets and off-licenses will be allowed to stay open for 24 hours from November 24.

(KMcA/SP)