Simon Hughes, MP for North Southwark & Bermondsey and President of the Liberal Democrats, speaking in a debate in the House of Commons today, Tuesday 25th January on the flexible licensing plans and public order, said:

“Binge drinking has become an unhappy new side to British leisure.”

“Given growing unhappiness among councillors, police and the public about the prospect of flexible licensing coming into operation in the autumn this year, Liberal Democrats have decided to join the call for a delay in the start date for the new Licensing Act.  Implementation should now be postponed to give local councils, the police and the public the chance to assess the government’s latest proposals to deal with public disorder and work out a combined package that gives greater protection to the general public at the date the new flexible hours come into force.”

“In the meantime, from November, we would support the introduction of pilot 24 hour licensing areas in London and across the UK, which could cover a whole council area or part of a council area – with the agreement of the council.”

“It is right for England to move towards flexible opening hours.  But this should be done with maximum cross-party support and the maximum agreement from the police and local councils.  A delay in implementing the new law is now clearly in the wider public interest.”