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'Drink problems will spiral out of control'
"ILL thought out,
"simply awful", "a big mess" – just some of the damning words used to sum up the Fylde's
concerns over Britain's new drinking laws.
The Gazette spoke to some of the resort's most prominent figures to see what they thought about the possibility of 24-hour opening under the controversial Licensing Act, which comes into force on February 7.
Adrian Clay, licensee of the Litten Tree, on Queen Street, said: "I think it has been ill-thought out by the Government and, if they had their time again, they would probably back-pedal on much of what is being proposed.
"I don't think the big companies are particularly interested in going 24 hours, the managers of those establishments are not interested and neither are the right-minded public."
Blackpool's top cop, Chief Supt Mike Cunningham said, given the clear link between alcohol and anti-social behaviour, he has reservations about the plans, and Chief Constable of Lancashire, Paul Stephenson, has spoken of his "considerable concerns".
As part of the Association of Chief Police Officers, Mr Stephenson said: "Our concerns come on two levels. The first is that it could result in people drinking until later and the night-time economy becoming busier.
"The second is that people are more likely to drink more. The result will be more people under the influence of alcohol or drunk and this will lead to more crime and disorder."
Mike Nordwind, managing director of The Syndicate – Blackpool's biggest club – said: "We do not think it will be good for the town or the country and we are very much against it. Levels of drunkenness and violence will escalate and it will put much more pressure on the police. It will be simply awful."
Joe Curran, the town's
licensing co-ordinator, and boss at Heaven & Hell, said: "The new laws could have big repercussions for the town, but our aim to keep Blackpool as a safe, fun night out will not change.
"We are looking to make a decision as a company as to whether or not we accept the proposals, but the majority of places in Blackpool probably won't see any benefits on the business side of it from opening through the night."
Dave Daly, who manages Cahoots bar and represents the National Association of Licensed House Managers said: "To think because you extend the hours you will slow people's drinking habits is a fallacy. It did not work in 1988 when we moved to all day opening. Since then binge-drinking has got worse."
The final decision on
extended opening hours will come down to the Fylde coast's three licensing
authorities.
Tory MP Michael Jack is against the Act, while Labour MPs Joan Humble and Gordon Marsden have asked for the new law to be considered carefully.
Mr Jack said: "People consuming more drink for longer will provide a greater challenge than binge drinking for our already hard-working
police force."
Mrs Humble said it was important the terms of the legislation were properly understood and the public services would have to work together closely, while Mr Marsden added: "Binge drinking has not been stopped with the current licensing hours so I don't think liberalising them will exacerbate those problems and might even reduce them."
Lib Dem councillor Steven Bate said the plans would be a "big mess" for Blackpool and would not solve the problems of the town centre, while Coun Fred Jackson, Blackpool Council's urban environment chief, promised the authority would take a hard line and "not allow the new
licensing legislation to result in an increase of drink-related crime and disorder."
Dr Andy Howe, Blackpool's Director of Public Health, said: "What concerns me is that longer drinking times and increased alcohol may not only lead to greater incidents of assault and violence, but is also likely to have adverse health effects."
Major Geoff Chape, of the Salvation Army, which
helps people with alcohol problems, said: "The Government is talking about the harm alcohol can do, but is making it more available, which seems something of a paradox. Changing the hours will not stop or help the problem."
Rev David Phillips, from the White Church in Fairhaven, said: "I have no aversion to people going out and having a drink, but the culture today, particularly among young people, is that of getting drunk.
"I am unsure as to whether lengthening hours is appropriate to the culture here."
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Wednesday 30 May 2012
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