Concerns over new Licencing Act - Sollitt

4.20.00pm GMT Tue 22nd Nov 2005

Labour not controlling binge drinking

Liberal Democrats have opposed the introduction of the unworkable Licensing Act in England.

Steve Sollitt, Parliamentary campaigner for Southampton Test said "Whilst welcoming the increase in control powers in the Act, we opposed increasing the availability of alcohol through extended hours until Labour have brought the problems of binge drinking under control."

Under Labour, enforcement of alcohol related offences has been appalling. Only 11 Landlords a year, on average, have been prosecuted for allowing drunken or riotous behaviour on their premises. Until this situation is drastically improved, the new Act should not be in place.

In place of the Licensing Act, the Liberal Democrats would ensure a licensing system was in place that would allow a greater say from both local residents and elected councillors. We would revive efforts to tackle binge drinking and seek to ensure that the enforcement of drinking laws is well resourced, effective and robust.