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Contributor: Enderby EYE - November 2005

It should be borne in mind that most people drink responsibly. However, recent focus on the binge-drinking phenomenon, particularly amongst young people, has fuelled speculation in some quarters that the behaviour exhibited by 'problem drinkers' currently observed at closing time will now manifest itself throughout the day as licensed premises extend their opening hours.

Whatever problems Enderby may have with anti-social behaviour after pub closing time (and that's not a great deal) is unlikely to be affected in the short term by any change in licensing law, due to come into force in November 2005.

The British Beer & Pub Association says that the trend has been for pubs in rural and sub-urban areas to apply for an extra hour or so on a Friday or Saturday night.

Scotland already enjoys more flexible opening hours and in a recent review neither judges nor police suggested a return to 'English' hours. They actually cite less disorder than normally encountered on a weekend evening.

Alcohol sales account for around 3% of Gross Domestic Product and so the economic value is quite substantial. Weighed against this are the problems associated with alcohol abuse, including accidents in the home, domestic violence and alcohol related disease. In those cases the additional hours where alcohol is available in pubs and clubs is unlikely to have a major impact one way or the other.

The Association of Chief Police Officers lobbied for 'flexibility' of the existing licensing hours rather than an 'around the clock' approach.

The rationale behind the Department of Culture, Media and Sport's loosening of the current restrictions is to treat people as adults. Professor Dick Hobbs from the London School of Economics points out that "...all the evidence shows that in order to succeed in tackling problems associated with alcohol abuse, you need both to reduce the accessibility of alcohol and to raise the cost." [1]

Put in those terms, it is similar to reducing the opportunity to indulge in 'smoking' whilst at the same time raising the price of the product. 'Freedom of choice' remains, with the individual taking responsibility for any detrimental consequences to their health.

The feeling is that individuals who are pre-disposed to anti-social behaviour without the fuel of alcohol will continue to be the ones who display more reckless anti-social behaviour following the intake of alcohol.

For many, a single experience of going 'over-the-top' and becoming to some extent incapable, is sufficient to prevent them making the same mistake twice. To those individuals, being drunk is an embarrassment.

Unfortunately, for a growing number of predominantly younger people, going out and getting 'wasted' is a fashion statement.

As a society we may need need to shift away from concerns about 'availability', and focus instead on education about health and general well-being, not to mention respect for others.

[1] Seven Deadly Sins: a new look at Society through an old lens.

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Update: 25 November 2005 Statement published by Leicestershire Constabulary.

The new Licensing Act came into force on Thursday November 24, 2005 and Leicestershire Constabulary is warning premises who sell alcohol without a new licence that they will be targeted.

The Force has been working closely with local authorities to consider more than 3,500 applications and put plans into place to deal with the changeover in the new law.

Although the majority of licensees have acted responsibly by applying for a new licence, there are still a number of premises that have not applied.

Inspector Nigel Banks said: "We now have a list of around 400 premises that have not applied for a new licence and we will initially be concentrating our efforts on these.

"Some may no longer be conducting licensable activities - others may have forgotten or applied too late to meet the August deadline. Either way, if they try to operate without a license we will work with our partners to shut them down.

"We will also be monitoring the premises that do have new licences to ensure that they comply with their conditions and will not hesitate in taking a tough line against anyone operating irresponsibly by selling alcohol to minors or people already under the influence of alcohol.

"Policing the changes in the law is not about stopping people having fun - it's about making sure out towns and cities are safe, pleasant places for everyone."

With the new Act comes the potential for licensed premises to have 24-hour licences, but currently only a handful of premises across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland have successfully applied for this variation on their licence. Some of these are supermarkets that already have 24-hour opening.

Inspector Banks added: "Indications from the premises that have 24-hour licences is that they just want the flexibility to open later on special occasions or for big events. We know there's been a lot of concern over pubs and clubs opening 24/7 but the picture locally suggests that this really won't be the case.

"How the changes in the law will affect alcohol related crime, disorder and quality of life remains to be seen. We will be monitoring the effects closely and will vigorously enforce the new licensing law as part of our overall commitment to tackle the blight of alcohol-fuelled violence and disorder.",/p>

For more information contact Inspector 526 Nigel Banks in the Liquor Licensing Department at Leicestershire Constabulary on Leicester (0116) 222 2222.

See also: Leicestershire Constabulary 'Drink Driving' Campaign info.

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Update: 14th December 2005

Consequences of drink-driving

Some drivers when tested, especially the morning after, are amazed to find that they are still over the limit from the night before. Most people are responsible enough to make a choice and not drink and drive, but there is still a hard core of drivers who don’t care, who don’t think that one drink will matter, or believe that they will not get caught.

So what is the Legal Limit?

The current legal limit is:

35 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath;

80 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood;

107 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of urine.

Most people have no idea of what a unit is. Some may think a unit is a glass of wine, a pint of bitter, a 'short' or a bottle. What most people might not realise is that beer and wine has grown in strength, measures have changed and so has the size of the glass.

You might not realise how little it takes to go over the current drink-drive limit or how long it takes for the alcohol to leave your system. You can't calculate your alcohol limit as it can depend on many factors such as your weight, sex, age, metabolism, stress levels, amount of food eaten, amount and type of alcohol consumed.

What happens if I get breathalysed?

Pull over when a police car approaches;,/p>

If you fail to stop, you risk being charged with dangerous driving and failing to stop ;

You will be asked to blow into the roadside breathalyser (a small box);

A refusal carries an obligatory ban, usually 18-24 months.

The police have the right to test you, even if you think you're within the legal limit for alcohol intake and if the sample is clear, you can continue your journey as normal.

What happens if I get arrested?

You will be arrested and cautioned before being driven away in the police car.

At the police station you will be booked into custody and given your rights. You will be searched, a cell assigned and you will have to face a line of questioning.

You will have to give a DNA sample, your fingerprints and photograph taken and personal belongings removed in case they cause harm to yourself or others.

If your reading is between 35-50 in-breath you will be offered a blood test.

You must blow hard enough, or you will be charged with failure to give a specimen and an 18-24 month ban will follow.

The breath specimen can be replaced with a blood test at a hospital, costing approx. £90 and takes weeks to be analysed. A urine test is only for those with medical reasons when blood cannot be taken.

What happens if I am convicted?

Causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs. The maximum penalty is 10 years imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a ban for at least 2 years.

Driving or attempting to drive whilst above the legal limit or unfit through drink. The maximum penalty is 6 months imprisonment plus a fine of £5000 and a ban for at least 12 months (3 years if you've been convicted twice in 10 years).

In charge of a vehicle whilst above the legal limit or unfit through drink. The maximum penalty is 3 months imprisonment plus a fine of £2500 and a ban.,/p>

Refusing to provide a specimen. The maximum penalty is 6 months imprisonment plus a fine of £5000 and a ban for at least 12 months.

So, what can I do to help?

Be a responsible host and never allow guests to drive after drinking alcohol at a party.

Have plenty of non-alcoholic drinks/mocktails available with plenty of food.

Organise a Designated driver to drive - someone who will not drink alcohol, nor take drugs.

Book a taxi in advance or call a taxi to organise a lift for those who have been drinking.

Persuade people that drink driving and drug driving is socially unacceptable. Your attitude towards this preventable crime on our roads can influence those around you.

What is the cost?

Death at the hands of a drunken driver causes pain, distress and outrage for families, friends, colleagues and police officers alike.

There is frustration at the unimaginable cost to the quality of life for those who have lost a loved one or those for who are horrifically injured.

There is also the huge cost to this country for cleaning up after road accidents of £12 billion – the equivalent to 55 new hospitals. These costs include:

NHS costs.

Emergency costs.

National insurance costs.

Insurance premium increases and payouts.

Loss of productive earnings.

Human suffering.

If a persistently drunk, or disqualified driver, cannot stop themselves from driving then it is time to inform the police or Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

* Please note, some mobile 'phone networks may charge for this call.

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