There is much concern amongst local people at the large number of outlets selling alcohol and the number of small supermarkets, often concentrated around a few chains, that seem to be able to sell alcohol at all hours of the day and night. Worries about binge-drinking and its effects are now widespread and we need to take a fresh look and a fresh view.
The reality is that under Labour’s lax licensing regime, drink fuelled violence and disorder are out of control.
Binge-drinking damages people’s health and harms society, so Conservatives will overhaul the Licensing Act to give local authorities and the police much stronger powers over licensing, including the ability to remove licences from, or refuse to grant licences to, any premises which are causing problems.
Under other Conservative plans, Councils will be allowed to shut down permanently any shop or bar found selling alcohol to children, and double the maximum fine for under-age alcohol sales to £20,000.
Tax on super-strength beers, ciders and alcopops, but not the everyday pint, will be increased.
Off-licences and supermarkets will be banned from selling alcohol below cost price.
We will also permit local councils to charge more for latenight licences to pay for additional policing.
It is time for a change on licensing and we cannot go on as we are. Labour seem to have no real idea on how to tackle the problems their 2003 law have brought forward. Conservatives, like the public, know things must change.
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