Peter Hoskin

A successful policy?

Apparently, the Government’s 24-hour drinking laws have been a success.  So much so, in fact, that a review will today mark them a solid 7-out-of-10 for delivering “excellent” results in many areas.

Why, then, do the statistics paint a different picture?  In the 12 police forces that keep the relevant records, alcohol-related anti-social behaviour has risen by around 46 percent since the new laws were introduced.  

Throw in massive increases in alcohol-related illnesses and injuries, and it becomes clearer that 24 hour drinking is a part of the problem rather than the solution.  I doubt a  “tougher” system of yellow and red cards for landlords and shop-owners will do anything to change this. 

What do CoffeeHousers think?

P.S. Great coverage over at Three Line Whip.

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