26th November 2005

 
Nailsworth GP Dr Nigel Booker's opposition to the new drinking laws is very welcomed (SNJ 16/11/05). The article also notes Conservatives opposition - although late and without the support of leadership-hopeful David Cameron it is also very welcomed by those of us who have long criticised the plans (i).

Britain already has the highest levels of social alcohol-related harm in Europe, our alcohol-related cirrhosis figures are particularly shocking and figures just out show surging alcohol consumption has contributed to a 25% increase in oral cancers over the last 10 years. Alcohol costs £21.05 billion a year and rising in lost productivity, health costs and crime (ii).

The Government have ignored their own scientists and evidence from Ireland and Australia where they have abandoned extended licensing after they found disorder and binge drinking increased. Why at the very least were there not pilot schemes?

All the evidence shows we need to limit alcohol availability, limit extended opening hours especially in residential areas, limit advertisements and certain promotions and as called for by various medical bodies last week we need to increase prices. The price of alcohol relative to average income has halved since 1965 and under Brown is continuing to get cheaper; affordability and consumption are linked (iii).

This Licensing Act is weighted too much in favour of the licensed trade, and against the interests of local communities (iv). Until we manage to get binge drinking under control, increasing the supply of alcohol will have a harmful effect on individuals and communities.

David Wood

Stroud District Green party
Chalford Hill, Stroud

Notes:

(i) Glos Greens have made a number of statements regarding the new laws including:
Feb. 2005:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/ index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=432&Itemid=2
June 2004:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/ index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=182&Itemid=2

(ii) The Government now admits the changes could lead to more crime:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/crime/article/0,,1648634,00.html

(iii) http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,1644162,00.html

(iv) From November 24th the new Act provides the opportunity to appeal to the council to review of any licence that it’s granted. The only ray of hope for residents who fear their lives will be blighted by late night drinking is to consider mounting a review of individual licences where there is a problem.