Menu
15/11/2005
Conservative bid to stop extended drinking hours
The Conservatives are attempting to block government plans to introduce 24-hour drinking with a Commons vote.
The Tories are preparing to stage a Commons vote designed to annul the Statutory Instrument, which will bring the Licensing Act into full effect on November 24.
The vote is a little-used Parliamentary procedure, which the Tories claim will force all Labour MPs to go on the record and vote for or against the 24-hour drinking legislation.
Shadow Culture Secretary Theresa May said: “Labour’s licensing rules are in the last chance saloon – there is one final opportunity for the government to admit the laws need revision and improvement before they are introduced.
“Tony Blair once promised to be ‘tough on the causes of crime’, yet now he turns a blind eye to reckless changes, which will fuel even more violence and anti-social behaviour in the streets of Britain.”
Licensing Minister James Purnell defended the government plans on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today’ programme. He said that the Licensing Act was intended to treat people as “grown-ups” and said that the current opening hours fuelled binge drinking, because they closed early and people could end up ‘speed-drinking’ before the pubs closed.
However, on Monday the House of Lords voted to delay the legislation by six months, although the government is not likely to accept the ruling.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lords, Lord Strathclyde, said: “Quite clearly the majority of the House of Lords saw a six month delay as a sensible approach to a policy, which is farcical and irresponsible.”
Ms May described the Lords vote as “another humiliating defeat for Labour”. She said: “It clearly shows the gulf between Tony Blair’s government and public opinion.”
The Liberal Democrats have supported the Tories’ plans. The party’s home affairs spokesperson Mark Oaten said: “The tide of public opinion has turned against 24-hour drinking. Judges, doctors and many senior police have repeatedly warned the government against this course of action.
“Until binge drinking is under control, increasing the supply of alcohol will have a harmful effect on individuals and communities. The only responsible course of action is for the government to delay implementation of the Licensing Act.”
The result of the vote is expected at around 7pm.
The vote comes as the government announced plans to tackle alcohol related disorder. The £2.5 million nationwide campaign will clamp down on those who sell alcohol to under-eighteens, venues that promote irresponsible behaviour and drunken individuals who cause violent disorder.
(KMcA/SP)
The Tories are preparing to stage a Commons vote designed to annul the Statutory Instrument, which will bring the Licensing Act into full effect on November 24.
The vote is a little-used Parliamentary procedure, which the Tories claim will force all Labour MPs to go on the record and vote for or against the 24-hour drinking legislation.
Shadow Culture Secretary Theresa May said: “Labour’s licensing rules are in the last chance saloon – there is one final opportunity for the government to admit the laws need revision and improvement before they are introduced.
“Tony Blair once promised to be ‘tough on the causes of crime’, yet now he turns a blind eye to reckless changes, which will fuel even more violence and anti-social behaviour in the streets of Britain.”
Licensing Minister James Purnell defended the government plans on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today’ programme. He said that the Licensing Act was intended to treat people as “grown-ups” and said that the current opening hours fuelled binge drinking, because they closed early and people could end up ‘speed-drinking’ before the pubs closed.
However, on Monday the House of Lords voted to delay the legislation by six months, although the government is not likely to accept the ruling.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lords, Lord Strathclyde, said: “Quite clearly the majority of the House of Lords saw a six month delay as a sensible approach to a policy, which is farcical and irresponsible.”
Ms May described the Lords vote as “another humiliating defeat for Labour”. She said: “It clearly shows the gulf between Tony Blair’s government and public opinion.”
The Liberal Democrats have supported the Tories’ plans. The party’s home affairs spokesperson Mark Oaten said: “The tide of public opinion has turned against 24-hour drinking. Judges, doctors and many senior police have repeatedly warned the government against this course of action.
“Until binge drinking is under control, increasing the supply of alcohol will have a harmful effect on individuals and communities. The only responsible course of action is for the government to delay implementation of the Licensing Act.”
The result of the vote is expected at around 7pm.
The vote comes as the government announced plans to tackle alcohol related disorder. The £2.5 million nationwide campaign will clamp down on those who sell alcohol to under-eighteens, venues that promote irresponsible behaviour and drunken individuals who cause violent disorder.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 November 2005
Tories fail to halt 24-hour drinking
A Conservative bid to delay the introduction of extended pub opening hours has failed. The Tories last-minute motion to delay the full implementation of the 2003 Licensing Act was defeated in a Commons vote last night, by 302 votes to 228.
Tories fail to halt 24-hour drinking
A Conservative bid to delay the introduction of extended pub opening hours has failed. The Tories last-minute motion to delay the full implementation of the 2003 Licensing Act was defeated in a Commons vote last night, by 302 votes to 228.
19 April 2010
'Clegg Vote Is Vote For Brown', Warn Tories
David Cameron has again warned voters that any votes cast for Nick Clegg could leave Labour in power. The Tories claim Gordon Brown could lose the election but remain Prime Minister for five more years thanks to a Lib Dem surge inspired by last week's TV debate triumph for party leader, Nick Clegg.
'Clegg Vote Is Vote For Brown', Warn Tories
David Cameron has again warned voters that any votes cast for Nick Clegg could leave Labour in power. The Tories claim Gordon Brown could lose the election but remain Prime Minister for five more years thanks to a Lib Dem surge inspired by last week's TV debate triumph for party leader, Nick Clegg.
19 April 2005
Conservatives to crack down on yob culture
The Conservatives have strengthened their promise to tackle Britain’s ‘yob’ culture, by unveiling new pledges aimed at ‘building out’ crime-filled housing estates and tackling binge drinking.
Conservatives to crack down on yob culture
The Conservatives have strengthened their promise to tackle Britain’s ‘yob’ culture, by unveiling new pledges aimed at ‘building out’ crime-filled housing estates and tackling binge drinking.
02 July 2010
PR On Way For Westminster Elections?
Proportional Representation (PR) could be on the way for parliamentary elections. MPs have voted to allow a referendum that could herald the end of Westminster's traditional first-past-the-post system of electing MPs.
PR On Way For Westminster Elections?
Proportional Representation (PR) could be on the way for parliamentary elections. MPs have voted to allow a referendum that could herald the end of Westminster's traditional first-past-the-post system of electing MPs.
02 June 2015
Welsh Government To Vote On Smoking Ban In Cars
A vote is to take place in the Welsh Assembly today on banning people from smoking in cars when children are present. If approved, the ban would come into effect on 1 October, 2015, with a similar ban in England also being enforced on the same day. In 2007, legislation was passed in Wales to make smoking in enclosed public places illegal.
Welsh Government To Vote On Smoking Ban In Cars
A vote is to take place in the Welsh Assembly today on banning people from smoking in cars when children are present. If approved, the ban would come into effect on 1 October, 2015, with a similar ban in England also being enforced on the same day. In 2007, legislation was passed in Wales to make smoking in enclosed public places illegal.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
