Twenty four hour licenses to binge drink?
Submitted by Tim on Mon, 06/02/2006 - 10:47.
Where do you stand on the new licensing laws? In theory these come into force in a week, allowing licensed premises to open 24 hours if they wish, but various groups including the Conservative party are trying to delay this, claiming that relaxing the laws on opening times will inevitably lead to a rise in binge drinking, and all the health implications, anti social behaviour and crime that go along with that. What do you think?
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Re:Twenty four hour licenses to binge drink?
I think that it is a good thing..and not because I can theoretically go for a couple of pints before I start work at 9am! Yes, in the beginning there will be problems. People will be drunk at all hours of the day and night and there will more than likely be an initial increase of anti-social behaviour. It is only to be expected when something is new. I'm sure that when shops where first allowed to open on a Sunday (probably showing my age here) they were absolutely chaotic just because you could shop on a day that you couldn't shop before. Now, it just part of everyday life. I think the 24 hour opening hours will be the same. There will be a period of trouble and the media and opposition parties will highlight these at great length but there are so many positives. It works on the Continent and provides a longer, more social and relaxed atmosphere and I think unltimately the same will happen here. People will adjust over time and I for one look forward to being able to go out whenever I like for a drink rather than having to run to the pub for 10.50pm or get to the off licence before it closes. It will take a couple of years but it will be brilliant and we'll wonder why we didn't do this years ago.
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Re:Twenty four hour licenses to binge drink?
I was hoping for more controversy! I agree with everything you've said, I've long thought the existing laws are completely groundless and at the root of most of the binge-drinking problems in the UK, which is why it's so prevalent here and so much less of a problem on the continent. I also firmly believe that if you want to go for a pint before work that's none of the Government's business, and they've no right to stop you - it's a private matter between you, your local landlord, and your employer's disciplinary procedure
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Re:Twenty four hour licenses to binge drink?
More controversy...sorry. 24 hour drink should only be available to naturists. It should be a pre-requisite that you can only drink outside of the current legal drinking hours if you do this as naked as the day you were born. Granted there will be spillage issues (can you imagine a flaming Sambuca going for a burton!) and where would you keep your fags but I think that is the way forward
__________________________No time for love Dr Jones
Re:Twenty four hour licenses to binge drink?
Well the tory delaying tactic fell by the wayside last night so from next Thursday those extended opening hours come into force... no word on the enforced nudity tho. I think you're right, naturist drinking would certainly sort the men from the boys, and could save a lot of time in nightclubs too.
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Re:Twenty four hour licenses to binge drink?
Well, seems like most pubs and clubs are sticking with 'old style' drinking hours, and not applying for longer hours. I'm sure this is caution on their part, so are they all going to go for it at the same time, or will it be more gradual? Thoughts?
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Re:Twenty four hour licenses to binge drink?
the bay pier and club yoko's in aberystwyth are all now open untill 4 or will be after christmas
though i doubt, after the initial thrill of it all, that there will be anyone there at 3:50...
except one person who's eaten his own body weight in speed and napping bar staff
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Re:Twenty four hour licenses to binge drink?
Actually that brings up a point I didn't see raised in the whole debate about the new licensing laws: the staff involved (bar staff, bouncers, cleaners etc). What kind of effect is it gonna have on them all? If working behind a smokey bar makes you X times more likely to get lung cancer, working there for longer hours is surely a bad idea?
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Re:Twenty four hour licenses to binge drink?
It's not going to be long before smoking is banned in bars anyway, and since bar work pays very poorly a lot of bar staff will be glad of the longer hours.
Re:Twenty four hour licenses to binge drink?
A few months on, and predictably most of the Petersfield pubs that bothered to apply for longer hours aren't actually using them - most are sticking to the usual, albeit with slightly longer drinking up time.
Still nice to stay in the Market Inn till 12 and for it not to be a lock-in
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Re:Twenty four hour licenses to binge drink?
The most I've taken advantage of this law was a drink at 3 AM at a tequila bar in Liverpool. It's easier getting back home now, too. Seems like it's gone pretty well, and the media coverage of it is significant in its absence.
This message was edited by:MickyBoinng on 2006-01-31 15:49
Re:Twenty four hour licenses to binge drink?
The only thing i've noticed is that i'm getting far far drunker! I seem to be stuck in my ways of going out at 7, the old pubs would close at 11.30ish but now I'm drinking till 12.30ish. That extra hour appearts to be my downfall! It all seems like such a good idea then but in the morning.....
So much for Britian adopting a Continental attitude to drinking! If we are, nobody told me!
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