BII hits back at claims about licensing reform by Tony Blair

07-Nov-2002

The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) hits back at claims licensing reform could lead to an increase in crime and disorder

The BII has welcomed comments made this week by Prime Minister Tony Blair regarding the inclusion of licensing reform in the Queen’s Speech next week. Mr Blair’s comments have, however, sparked some criticism from the anti-alcohol lobby and the BII is keen to set the record straight.

The BII believes that the relaxation of current licensing laws and, in particular, the abolition of the terminal hour, will relieve, rather than add to, problems of late-night violence and disorder.

The Isle of Man recently introduced such a system and has seen a very positive reduction in disorder. Evidence from the police suggests that much of the problem results from the rush of drinkers onto the street at one time. This puts pressure on public transport, and other services such as late-night fast food outlets, which can lead to violence flaring up.

It is also worth noting that in mainland Europe, where licensing hours have always been more relaxed, there are far less incidents of this nature.

The new system will not mean that all pubs are open for the full 24-hours, as several UK tabloids have suggested in the past, but rather than licensees can choose to open when their customers want them to. In practice this will mean many pubs will only apply for an extra hour or two. In contrast, others may choose to serve breakfast from 6am and then close mid-afternoon.

By allowing these pubs to cater for their particular customers, a system of staggered closing will be introduced which will mean customers leave gradually, in smaller groups, relieving pressure on late-night services. …/more over

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There is also evidence that the current 11pm terminal hour actually encourages drinkers to drink quickly before the bar closes. If this cut-off point was lifted then the pressure to binge-drink would be removed.

Finally, allowing later opening does not in any way detract from the trade’s emphasis on training and professionalism. Tackling issues such as underage drinking and drug abuse in pubs will remain paramount, not least through the BII’s own national framework of qualifications, and the Institute and its members will continue to work to raise standards of professionalism and encourage best practice within the pub trade.

John McNamara, chief executive of the BII, said: “The BII supports the long-overdue relaxation of the UK’s archaic licensing laws. Far from adding to problems of violence and disorder, we believe that staggered closing will help curb alcohol-related crime and discourage the so-called “yob-culture” that has sprung up in the UK.”

Notes to Editors: The BII is the professional body for the licensed trade. It has around 15,000 members and last year BIIAB processed over 76,000 qualifications. Its mission is to promote high standards of professionalism throughout the licensed retail sector and to provide information, skills and qualifications to help members run successful businesses.




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Email carolinen@bii.org
Contact For more information, please contact Caroline Nodder, the BII’s corporate communications manager, on 01276 417 838 or 07855 841 216 or email carolinen@bii.org.