Davis: PM "in denial" over 24-hour boozing

Gordon Brown has dithered and is denial over the effects of 24-hour drinking, claims Conservative shadow home secretary David Davies, following a government review into extending licensing hours.

Mr Davis said: "When Gordon Brown became prime minister he talked tough, especially about dealing with the consequences of 24-hour drinking.

"However, in characteristic form he has dithered and the outcome of this review shows he is in denial about the consequences of his government's drinking policy."

The said there was "damning evidence" against the policy of 24-hour drinking from the police, local authorities, hospitals admissions and Home Office statistics.

He went on claim the government's proposals on tackling binge drinking were "hastily cobbled together" and a "blatant attempt to rip off existing Conservative policy".

Mr Davis said: "Conservatives would take clear and concerted action to tackle the scourge of binge-drinking on our streets.

"We would give local authorities the discretion to apply extended licences; free our police from red-tape to actually enforce existing penalties against consumers or retailers who commit alcohol related crime; introduce a 'three strikes and you're out policy' for retailers who sell to underage drinkers; ban 'loss leader' sales of alcohol; and target tax increases on high strength alcohol and those drinks associated with binge-drinking."

Jeremy Hunt, shadow secretary for culture, media and sport, added that: "24-hour licensing was a mistake.

"The government should admit as much and give local people a proper say on licensing issues so they can win back control of their town centres."