27 October 2005

MALCOLM MOSS IN BID TO DELAY NEW 24 HOUR DRINKING LAWS

Concerns over binge drinking among young people led MP Malcolm Moss this week to urge the Government to delay the introduction of its new 24 hour drinking laws.

He said there was overwhelming evidence linking the rise in anti-social behaviour and increased drinking among young people, as well as medical reports highlighting concerns about the impact this was having on their health.

During the licensing debate in the House of Commons, Mr Moss, the Shadow Minister responsible for licensing, said that proposed drinking time extensions should be delayed for a re-think because of the binge drinking implications.

However, his motion was lost and the new extended opening hours will take effect from 24^th November, subject to approval from local authorities.

Mr Moss said afterwards: “The Government seems hell-bent on bringing in this new legislation despite serious concerns being expressed by the Judiciary, the Royal College of Physicians, local authorities, the police, the media and ordinary people. I have no doubt in my mind that an extension of opening hours will lead to more drinking, not less”.

Mr Moss said he was concerned that pubs and clubs would not be held responsible for rowdy or drunk customers once they left the premises.

He told the House: “Most local residents cannot object to controversial proposals for late-night licensing in their town centres, unless, of course, they live very close by. Yet anti-social behaviour, crime and nuisance are not limited to the immediate area around the licensed premises; they can occur miles away as drunken revellers return home.