Pubs get chance to apply for extended drinking licences
Pubs in England and Wales will be allowed to apply for extended drinking licences from today.
The Government believes that more flexible drinking hours will help promote a more moderate drinking culture. It adds that staggered closing times will also prevent hundreds of people pouring on to the streets at the same time.
They promise that flexible hours will be counterbalanced by tougher powers for police and local residents, who will have the power to close trouble spots if it is proven they are noise nuisance.
Though the licenses can be applied for from today, they will not come into effect until the Autumn.
Culture Secretary, Tessa Jowell said: “Alcohol-fuelled disorder denies the law-abiding majority the pleasure of a quiet night out. This is why the status quo is not an option. This Act will bring in much needed reform. It will enable Government, local authorities, the police and local communities to work closely together to effectively tackle problems where they do arise.
“We are not, and never have, promoted 24 hour drinking – that is a myth. We are promoting flexible hours to reduce violence at “last orders”. This will put a long needed end to the double madness of people gulping two or three rounds of drinks to beat last orders and then all being chucked out at the same time.”
She added that it was “ridiculous that the Government should deny the entire population the right to a drink after 11pm. We will give adults the freedom they deserve and yobs the tough treatment they deserve.”
The Government has also promised that it will be monitoring the implementation of the act, in particular what its impact is on crime and disorder.
CAMBRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, said that the new licensing system was a great day for responsible drinkers.
Chief executive Mike Benner, said: “The fact that pubs can stay open later without loud music will allow people of all ages to reclaim the pub.”
“The absurdity of the current licensing system is that after 11pm you cannot enjoy a quiet pint in your local, but instead have to go to a large town centre pub or nightclub usually with loud music.”
He said the new laws will “allow responsible adults who prefer to stay out later to enjoy a quiet pint with friends in their favourite pub.”
But, the plans have faced criticism from opposition parties, medical groups and some police officers.
The Conservatives claim that the plans will “inevitably” encourage binge drinking, and should be delayed until that problem has been tackled.
