Binge drinking
Home secretary Charles Clarke has set out details of a nationwide campaign by police and trading standards officers to target those who sell alcohol to under 18s
The drive will tackle bars and clubs which promote irresponsible and rowdy behaviour and drunken individuals who cause violent disorder.
Government Response: Charles Clarke and Tessa Jowell
Charles Clarke said: "We are determined to crack down firmly on those who get drunk and cause misery to others - everyone has the right to enjoy a pleasant drink free from fear or intimidation.
"There already exist a wide range of powers from fixed penalty notices to orders to close pubs and nightclubs instantly for up to 24 hours. The Licensing Act will give the police even more power to close down problem bars and increase penalties for premises that sell to underage drinkers.
"The message is clear - go out, have good time and enjoy a drink. But if you are intent on causing trouble, be certain that there will be a heavy price to pay."
Culture secretary Tessa Jowell added: "Not only will this campaign be the biggest ever - it'll have the sharpest teeth too, thanks to the tough new police powers in the Licensing Act.
"Rogue licensees and those who engage in drunken yobbery can consider themselves on notice from today - the party can continue, but if you step out of line, you can expect the full force of the law to come down on you."
Stakeholder Response: ACPO
Michael Craik, chief constable of
"Everyone should be clear that we mean business - not just those who engage in drunken anti-social behaviour, but also rogue licensees who promote irresponsible and rowdy behaviour.
"The majority of us enjoy a night out and don't want it ruined by drunken louts. Taking firm action against those who binge drink and refuse to take responsibility for themselves allows the rest of us to enjoy responsible 'grown-up' drinking."
Stakeholder Response: British Retail Consortium
A BRC spokesman, said: "The new licensing laws give retailers an opportunity to meet the needs of all customers and adapt to the changes in consumers lifestyles. It is only natural that they want to take advantage of this.
"Retailers sell a range of goods and alcohol is just a small element of the grocery shop, so it should be available to buy regardless of the time of day.
"However, retailers also recognise their responsibilities when it comes to selling alcohol and are committed to working with the government where possible, to help crack down on binge drinking.
"Retailers have given huge resources to this issue, following responsible retailing principles which include not selling to those they suspect are drunk or buying for minors.
"We have also recently formed the Alcohol Retailing Standards Group, a cross industry initiative to ensure a coordinated and consistent approach to tackling under age sales. The group will reinforce the commitment to the 'Challenge 21' principle and the 'No ID No Sale' message and also strengthen staff training programme as a priority.
"But this is a social problem. Fundamental changes in the binge drinking culture will take longer to achieve and will require a comprehensive strategy involving government, schools, parents and other stakeholders."
Stakeholder Response: Central Council of Physical Recreation
A spokesperson for the CCPR told ePolitix.com: "Last night's debate in the Lords showed that many peers are rightly concerned about the health and anti-social behaviour implications of binge-drinking.
"The government argues that the Licensing Act 2003 will reduce this problem, whilst opponents of the Act dispute this.
"The CCPR believes that if binge drinking is indeed embedded within British culture then it will take more than six months to address the problem, and that a wider social education approach is required, in addition to the legislative measures in the Act.
"The CCPR is concerned about the consequences of delaying the Act for many establishments at which a sociable pint is simply a by-product of a positive and constructive past-time, and which do not contribute to anti-social behaviour in question – namely community sports clubs.
"It is true that sports clubs are no great fans of an Act that has increased both the cost and administrative burden of operating a bar, and that unjustly treats a bar at a bowls club, which may be open just once a week, in the same manner as a commercial drinking venue.
"Nonetheless the majority of sports clubs have responded to the challenge of the Act. They have had their plans drawn up, they have advertised in the local paper, they have paid their fee and finally they have obtained their club premises certificate.
"As a club premises certificate expires one year after it was granted, any delay in the second appointed day simply means that voluntary sports clubs, which provide a service to their community, get no return on all this effort and expenditure during the period of delay.
"Rather than arguing for a delay for fear of consequences that may not occur, the CCPR wishes to ensure that the Act is beneficial to those premises that are far removed from these issues.
"In particular CCPR believes that all registered community amateur sports clubs should be placed in Band A for licensing fee purposes, reducing the cost of their licence to £100 at current rates, compared with £180 for Band B and £315 for Band C. These clubs are a focal point of community life.
"They are open to all to participate in healthy sport and recreation, with the post-match pint contributing to the feeling of community and well-being and all profits going back to grass roots sport. By making life a little easier for sports clubs we enable them to grow and develop, meaning that more people engage in positive activities, thereby reducing the occurrence of anti-social behaviour.
"Let us reward sports clubs for having their house in order."
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