PRESS RELEASES

Tuesday, 15th November 2005

Government Must Delay Drinking Laws Till Binge Drinking Is Under Control

The Conservatives will today force a vote in the Commons to annul new 24-hour drinking laws which are due to come into effect next week. The move follows a defeat in the Lords when the Tories and Lib Dems called on the government to postpone the introduction of the new laws until next June. The Lord vote, however, will not force any delay in the laws coming in. The defeat came as Charles Clarke launched a £2.5m nationwide campaign against drunken misbehaviour.

Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Tooting, Stephanie Dearden said:-

Until binge drinking is under control, increasing the supply of alcohol will have a harmful effect on individuals and communities. We must avoid a Christmas crisis of excessive drinking in our streets and town centres. It would be wrong to proceed with this legislation before new laws on alcohol disorder zones are in place. The only responsible course of action is for the Government to delay implementation of the Licensing Act.
ENDS

Notes to editors

1. More: http://politics.guardian.co.uk/localgovernment/story/0,9061,1642869,00.html  and http://www.timesonline.co.uk/newspaper/0,,171-1872422,00.html 
2. If you would like to arrange an interview with Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Tooting Stephanie Dearden then please call 020-7771-2551 or 07985-649807 or 07754 583090
3. Official photographs here http://www.stephaniedearden.org/smd_mugs/index.htm