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Home Secretary to overhaul licensing laws in binge drinking crackdown






Posted by Tony Flynn on 29th November 2010 at 03:34 PM
Home Secretary to overhaul licensing laws in binge drinking crackdown
Government plans to crack down on binge drinking and reclaim high streets for "sensible law-abiding drinkers" will be unveiled this week.

Home Secretary Theresa May said 24-hour licences have failed to produce the benefits of a "cafe culture" and tougher action is needed to tackle alcohol-related crime and disorder which costs the taxpayer up to £13 billion each year.

The overhaul of licensing laws will give communities greater flexibility to find a solution that suits them, dealing with irresponsible premises while allowing late-night drinking where it is wanted, she said.

Proposals included tougher penalties for serving under-age drinkers, with fines doubling to £20,000 for persistent offenders, and a late night levy to allow licensing authorities to charge premises which open late for the additional policing.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley confirmed at the weekend that there would be a ban on selling alcohol at below cost price.

Reports suggested supermarkets will be banned from selling wine, beer and spirits below a national minimum price, which would be determined by adding together VAT and the cost of duty on the product.

Licences could be removed from outlets that breach the rules, and ministers were also said to be considering reviewing the duty paid on beer with a view to hiking the rate for super-strength drinks.

Proposals being considered for the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill also include ensuring policing and health concerns are considered.

The move would enable the impact of licensing on crime and disorder or public safety to be taken into account when assessing licence applications.

Crime Prevention Minister James Brokenshire said: "We're reclaiming the high street for sensible law-abiding drinkers by putting the community at the heart of licensing decisions and creating tougher powers to tackle underage sales.

"No-one is claiming that every pub and club is a problem, in fact many pubs are a vital part of community life, but we know a minority drive damaging crime and disorder.

"It's time that local people were put in charge so they can decide what the pubs and clubs in their town centres are like at night."

Other proposals included enabling licensing authorities to suspend licences due to non-payment of fees and tighter rules for temporary licences.

Source: 24dash.com

Report as offensive or innapropriate Comment by Guest  1st December 2010
It will the normal responsible drinkers who will bear the brunt of any price setting by the government. Forget the false concern over drinking habits, this is yet another stealth tax that targets the everyday drinker and not the bingers who will buy drink regardless. It will also encourage more black market alcohol sales and that is far more dangerous to health as the product content isn't regulated in any way.

Report as offensive or innapropriate Comment by Guest  30th November 2010
They look like three dogs to me.

Report as offensive or innapropriate Comment by Guest  30th November 2010
Give 'em time!

Report as offensive or innapropriate Comment by Guest  30th November 2010
Wrong message in the picture Tony. These look like three girls just posing for a picture. You should have shown one taken at the end of a binge, with 'revelers' prostrate in the street in pools of vomit, or being helped into the police van, or ambulance.

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