LICENSEES TO PAY PRICE OF BINGE DRINKING

22nd June 2010, 4:48pm

Pubs and clubs that stay open after 11pm could face tough measures including a “law and order fee” in the governments bid to help meet the cost of Britain’s drink problem.

The proposal follows police concerns over high levels of drink-fuelled disorders including the £7bn annual cost of tackling alcohol-related violence and other antisocial behaviour triggered by round the clock drinking.

If the move goes ahead it will give town halls the power to charge extra fees to pubs and clubs for obtaining late-night licenses with the amount paid determined by the popularity of the establishment.

If implemented, plans could include the rewording of licenses so that pubs and clubs would be made to prove the "tangible benefit" for staying open late. Bars and clubs that are deemed to be particular sources of trouble within city and town centres will be especially targeted under the plans.

The proposal coincides with government plans to dismantle 24-hour drinking and reduce the number of outlets that sell alcohol. It follows a call from The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to set a minimum price on alcohol and a move to double the fines given to shopkeepers selling alcohol to underage drinkers to £20.000.

Click here to submit a comment!

Have your say!

To comment on this article, simply enter your name and email and send us your views. Please note that your comment will appear publicly below this article once it has been processed. For enquiries please email info@eatoutmagazine.co.uk.