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.
Showing posts with label Alcohol. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alcohol. Show all posts
Friday, March 12, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
NEW APPROACH TO ALCOHOL
People often express concern at the impact of binge drinking on our towns and cities. Recent reports have shown the widespread availability of alcohol and most new convenience stores that pop up seem to sell wines and spirits.
Labour’s irresponsible decision to roll out 24-hour drinking on our towns and communities while at the same time failing to deal with the problems caused by over drinking has caused great harm, particularly among younger people.
Clearly we cannot go on like this. We need a Government who will make tackling alcohol abuse a priority, otherwise the cost to society and the NHS is only going to increase further.
A Conservative Government would take action through targeted increases in duty on problem drinks like super-strength beers and stopping below-cost selling. We also want to introduce simpler and clearer information on labels so that people are more aware what they are drinking and a tough three strikes and you’re out policy for licensed premises found to be selling alcohol under-age.
Labour’s irresponsible decision to roll out 24-hour drinking on our towns and communities while at the same time failing to deal with the problems caused by over drinking has caused great harm, particularly among younger people.
Clearly we cannot go on like this. We need a Government who will make tackling alcohol abuse a priority, otherwise the cost to society and the NHS is only going to increase further.
A Conservative Government would take action through targeted increases in duty on problem drinks like super-strength beers and stopping below-cost selling. We also want to introduce simpler and clearer information on labels so that people are more aware what they are drinking and a tough three strikes and you’re out policy for licensed premises found to be selling alcohol under-age.
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