Crime levels report

22 AUGUST 2006

CRIME STATS CONTRADICT 24HR DRINKING FEARS

UPFRONT, Sub-section, SEPTEMBER 2006, COMMENTS

The government has released a positive assessment of the impact of the new licensing regime on alcohol related crime. The Crime in England and Wales Report 2005/06, issued by the Home Office, shows that crime levels since November have remained static between 11pm and 2am, contradicting media coverage prior to the Act, which predicted that flexible drinking hours would result in a lawless night-time environment and a higher incidence of alcohol related disorder.

Drawing on statistics from 23 police forces from across England and Wales, the Home Office report concluded that “the data shows no indication of a rise in the overall level of offences as a result of the change in the opening hours of licensed premises.”

The results have been greeted by operators and authorities as a welcome benefit of the licensing reforms, which have eliminated the traditional competitive advantage of nightclubs over pubs and bars: a later closing hour.

The report is corroborated by the experiences of local police and councils from around the UK, although most concede that it is early days. As the dust clears after the transition to the new regulations, ‘wait and see’ operators may begin to apply for later hours.

Jan Brown of the Greater Manchester Police said:

“It’s good news but it’s important that operators remain vigilant. It’s early days and while crime is static, young people are still exhibiting high risk behaviour as a result of the legislation. Young women are drinking more before they go out because the clubs are staying open later, and a new trend, where girls hitch a ride with strangers if they can’t find a taxi late at night, is worrying.”

In London, Camden Council agreed that the statistics were positive, although a definitive picture has yet to emerge.

“It’s early days and we are not yet certain how many people are using the extra hours. In many cases it appears that they are not using them. This is something we are going to have to evaluate over 18 months to two years. But so far we have not had reports of an increase in disturbances.”

Meanwhile, a report to the DCMS by ten specially commissioned Scrutiny Councils have found that the new licensing laws are beginning to have a beneficial impact on residents, police and local councils.

The report finds that licensees are now more aware of their responsibilities, that councils, police, fire departments and other responsible authorities are engaging with licensees to improve performance, and that police are increasingly using new powers under the Act to enforce regulation.

From: September 2006 Issue

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