Labour MP proposes pay-for-policing scheme
Industry leaders have slated a Labour MP's proposal to allow local authorities to force licensed premises to pay for policing.
Southampton MP John Denham, a former home office minister, has called for a scheme to be introduced that will allow local councils to impose a levy on city centre premises to pay for extra police officers.
Speaking during Prime Minister's question time in the House of Commons last week he said: "As the alcohol strategy is finalised, will he look seriously at enabling local authorities and police authorities to raise a small statutory levy on licensed premises in town and city centres to pay for the costs of policing?"
He believes that a large amount of police time is spent dealing with crime and disorder.
Danny Scott, licensee of Rick's Bar in Greenwich,London said publicans wanted to see one thing: "More bobbies on the beat. I don't think the government has done a very good job at all.
"We read about these horror stories that happen on the streets late at night but then we, the licensee, are expected to pay for it. You pay your business rates and you expect to be sufficiently policed."
Prime Minister Tony Blair responded to Mr Denham's claims saying that there are a wide variety of means to tackle late-night disorder.
He said: "We have not said that we will go down the route of a levy. The Anti-Social Behaviour Bill will give the police power to levy fixed-penalty notices. In the trial areas, it has been immensely effective in allowing them to control antisocial behaviour.
"We will also have powers to close down premises that routinely give rise to drunken and disorderly fights outside."
Rob Hayward, director of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: "We all thought this was an inappropriate solution and the Prime Minister has indicated that there are other ways of tackling the problems of social disorder in city centres."
Mike Bell, licensee of Portobello Gold, echoed this. He said: "I don't think the government gives anyone any help. There are just not enough police on the streets."
