Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006

The government’s Violent Crime Reduction Bill follows existing legislation and manifesto commitments aimed at reducing public disorder, and cutting levels of violent and antisocial crime.

The Bill aims to reduce the number of individuals carrying weapons by limiting the availability of replica guns, and granting new powers to police officers and schools to search for knives. The Bill might well provide for an increase in the minimum age for purchasing knives from 16 to 18, following a Labour manifesto commitment.

In order to address the links between binge drinking and violent and disorderly behaviour, the Bill will most probably implement measures set out in the Home Office’s “Drinking Responsibly” document published in January, including the establishment of alcohol disorder zones, in which licensed premises would have to contribute to the additional policing and local costs of alcohol induced crime. This too is a Labour manifesto commitment.

The broader issue of binge drinking will be addressed through tighter controls of drinks promotions, including happy hours.

House of Commons

First reading: June 8 2005 (HC Bill 10)

Second reading: June 20 2005

Standing committee B

• 1st sitting: October 13 2005
• 2nd sitting: October 18 2005 (am)
• 3rd sitting: October 18 2005 (pm)
• 4th sitting: October 20 2005
• 5th sitting: October 25 2005 (am)
• 6th sitting: October 25 2005 (pm)

Remaining stages: November 14 2005

House of Lords

First reading: November 15 2005 (HL Bill 66)

Second reading: March 29 2006

Committee

• 1st day: April 26 2006
• 2nd day: May 17 2006
• 3rd day: May 22 2006

Report stage:

• 1st sitting: October 16 2006
• 2nd sitting: October 16 2006
• Bill as amended: HL154

Third reading: October 25 2006

House of Commons

Consideration of Lords amendments: October 30 2006

House of Lords

Consideration of Commons amendments: October 30 2006

Royal Assent: November 8 2006