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Despite the Obvious Concerns, there
are many arguments which need to be seriously considered when examining
this new policy
Consult's Vice Chairman Graham Damiral and Consult's Chairman Matthew Page
have asked whether it is natural for the Conservative Party to all out
oppose the recently introduced licensing reforms that have allowed many
drinking establishments to stay open later than the previous eleven
o’clock watershed.
Although there seem to be many natural reasons to oppose extended
licensing hours, especially when considering the problems of increased
potential violent crime and the strain being put on policing hours,
flexibility in closing times which is well planned and thoughtfully
stagnated could ultimately offer a useful resource by preventing the
majority of drink related crime happening at approximately the same time
but in different areas.
It is also not naturally in line with the Conservative values of
trusting the individual and believing that best values of empathy and
compassion come from within us all, to not give people as citizens the
choice and autonomy of when and how they can drink.
However, licensing reforms in many ways are just a means for organising
drinking, they are not a way of addressing the causes and problems
associated with heavy drinking and anti-social behaviour. Effective
campaigning over the ill-effects of binge drinking is required to allow
people, in particular youngsters, to become more aware of both it’s
effects and potential implications i.e. increased violent crime.
Licensing reform must also be supported by a properly integrated
transport system and more police resources.
Ultimately, licensing reform without proper planning over the stagnation
of closing hours between different establishments, without a proper and
well directed campaign over the ill effects of binge drinking and
without both more police and a better integrated transport policy is
likely not to succeed, with the potential benefits of this new
legislation not being realised.
Matthew Page and Graham Damiral
Dec 2005 |
