Changes to the licencing laws

Written by Vincent Cable MP and published in The Informer on Mon 5th Sep 2005

A group of licensees attacked me this week for "whipping up mass hysteria" over late night drinking. I had advised many residents of their - limited - right to object, under the new licensing laws.

Being generally liberal-minded, I believe that, in general, adults should decide for themselves when and how much they drink. But life is not so simple.

There is a minority who drink to excess making a nuisance of themselves and, occasionally, causing violence. There has been an undeniable upsurge in drink related anti-social behaviour, in our town centres especially. Some is due to youngsters obtaining alcohol, sometimes illegally, from off-licenses. Many local pubs genuinely do their best to maintain standards.

But there clearly is a problem. The government view is that if people have longer to drink they are less likely to binge and become drunk. Simple common sense - reinforced by the judgement of judges and chief constables - suggest, that with more time, more will be consumed with any disturbance continued longer into the night. Doctors are also worried and say alcoholism will rise (as it has in Scotland since hours have been relaxed).

I am influenced by direct experience: of one constituent quietly drinking in his local pub, recently, kicked almost to death in the loos by visiting sports fans; a family destroyed by the violent alcoholism of a loved, and clever, daughter; and the drunks who stagger from Twickenham down my road in the early hours shouting, fighting and smashing bus shelters.

So, when I am faced by licensees demanding longer hours and residents demanding peace and quiet, I am with the residents. The council has limited scope to refuse licence applications but residents should at least be informed, consulted and given a chance to object.