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Britain Joins the Civilised World - Shock!
by John Cryne
Pub goers are raising a toast to the reform of liquor licensing law announced in the Queen's Speech. British pub goers can look forward to a more flexible approach to pub opening hours from the summer of 2004.
Mike Benner, CAMRA's Head of Campaigns and Communications said, "After years of campaigning we can finally look forward to longer opening hours for pubs which will boost tourism and help stamp out binge drinking through a more relaxed and responsible approach to enjoying alcohol."
Recent CAMRA research reveals that seven out of ten British adults support longer opening hours for pubs.
Mike Benner added, "This will be a popular change with consumers who are tired of unnecessary restrictions on when and where they can enjoy a drink. The current laws are largely based on laws introduced during the First World War and have no place in today's society."
CAMRA has dismissed claims that the new Act may lead to a free for all, with all pubs opening 24 hours a day and unrestricted access for children.
Mr. Benner said, "It is natural that people are concerned about a more relaxed approach to licensing after restrictions have been in place for so long, but it is simply not the case that all pubs will be able to open for 24 hours a day. Pubs will have to submit operating plans to the licensing authority and the police and local residents will have a say on the hours the pub will be able to stay open. It is likely that most pubs will just apply for an extra hour or two on Friday and Saturday nights."
"It will be up to publicans and the licensing authority to decide on the suitability of premises for children. It is not the case that kids will have access to premises without restriction, but it will mean that pubs will become more family friendly which will benefit millions of people."
"There were fears that our streets would be invaded by drunks when the law was changed in 1988 to allow pubs to stay open in the afternoon, but these fears proved unfounded as there was no significant increase in alcohol consumption or alcohol related disorder. The same will be true following these changes and we can all look forward to the benefits of a more relaxed approach to enjoying a drink."
At the time of the Queen's speech, I had just read an excellent little booklet by John Henderson*. It was both a history of The Museum Tavern and the area in which it's located, Bloomsbury. It contained the following passage:
"The First World War provided an opportunity to introduce the most stringent licensing restrictions yet, the Defence of the Realm Act (1914) closing pubs for several hours in the afternoon and at 11 at night. This was intended to ensure a sober and alert workforce for the duration of the war, particularly those in key industries. England remained in this astonishing state of vigilance for another 74 years, the licensed trade ordered 'at ease' in September 1988 amidst scenes of great jubilation and thanksgiving that the enemy had at last been placated."
One by one, the restrictions introduced in 1914 have been removed, such that it now seems a little quaint that all pubs used to have to close in the afternoons. And now we stand on the verge of the last big leap, a possible end to licensing laws and drinking up time. So what will it all mean? Pictures of doom and gloom from those who, if anything, would seem to prefer the US Prohibition model, rather than see outdated restrictions removed, have preceded each gradual change since 1988. What do you think?
John Cryne
*A History of The Museum Tavern in Bloomsbury. John Henderson. Blemund's Books BN 0 9514913 0X
Reproduced from the Full Pint, Issue 18.
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