The BII responds to the Council of Circuit Judges’ comments
11-Aug-2005
The BII, the professional body for the licensed retail sector, today reacted to the comments from the Council of Circuit Judges on alcohol related crime and binge drinking.
John McNamara, Chief Executive of the BII, said, “There has been a great deal of panic in the media today (10 Aug) regarding the changes to licensing due to come into force in November. Whilst the Act does allow for a flexible system of licensing hours, most pubs will simply want a couple more hours to continue to serve their customers.
“The vast majority of licensees are responsible and take their duty of care very seriously - no good licensee wants to encourage irresponsible drinking, by doing so he or she could be risking his or her livelihood. The BII hopes that by working together pubs and their customers will continue to be able to provide and enjoy a comfortable and safe drinking environment. There is also strong evidence that by eliminating the 'terminal hour' culture, allowing different more flexible closing times, street crime and disorder is actually reduced. The Isle of Man is a perfect example of the success of de-regulating licensing hours and crime rates there are down.The Licensing Act has provision for local residents to make representations when a licence in being applied for and the authorities have more powers to close down troublesome establishments.
“The issue of binge drinking in many cases is not related to the amount of time drinkers have to consume alcohol but to irresponsible drinks promotions, which the BII has been calling to be banned for over two years. Irresponsible drink promotions fuel binge drinking and the quick drinking philosophy of ill thought out drinks promos means that drinkers get drunker quicker rather than staggering their consumption.”
| melanie@bii.org | |
| Contact | Melanie Taylor, Communications Manager,01276 417 863 |
