Comment: A misbegotten measure

Last updated at 08:17 10 August 2005


How much more evidence does this Government need before it scraps its foolhardy and dangerous plans for 24-hour drinking?

Its own consultation process has resulted in a blistering repudiation of every argument it has used to justify the new laws.

And the criticism comes not from some anti-drink pressure group, but from the very people who will have to pick up the pieces - the police and the judiciary.

Remember the breezy dismissal by Tessa Jowell of police concerns? Or her deputy James Purnell's claim that the Association of Chief Police Officers are behind the plan?

Well, just look at the formal ACPO response to the proposals for an alcohol free-for-all.

They say there is 'no evidence' to back the Government's main claim - that allowing pubs and clubs to stay open all hours will lead to a reduction in violence and yobbish behaviour.

Quite the opposite. They warn that when all pubs and clubs can open as late as they like, the problems will simply multiply.

They raise the nightmare prospect of our town and city centres turning into a domestic equivalent of Mediterranean 'party' destinations such as Faliraki, where marauding gangs of drunken British youths - and girls - are on display at their revolting worst.

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police warn that the Government's claim that the new laws will lead to staggered closing times is a pipedream, and that for obvious commercial reasons all pubs and clubs in a locality will close at the same time - throwing the problem of rowdiness late into the night.

As for the judges, their verdict is excoriating.

They predict the new laws will lead to an increase in rape and other violent crimes. And one judge describes the new laws as 'close to lunacy'.

As for Miss Jowell's fond hope that the plan will lead to civilised, Continental-style drinking habits? 'Wishful thinking,' say the judges.

The Mail has led the way in campaigning against the misbegotten measure. Miss Jowell may try to ignore us - but can she ignore the judiciary and the police?

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