Blair slams pubs over promotions
The Prime Minister has personally weighed into the binge drinking debate, sending a clear message to pub operators that the government expects urgent action on drinks promotions.
Tony Blair has told senior executives from pub groups and drinks manufacturers that binge drinking is on the way to becoming the "new British disease".
The ear-bashing from the PM came at a meeting organised by the government's think-tank, the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR). The summit was sponsored by drinks brand giant Diageo, and held at its office in Park Royal, west London.
Industry leaders were summoned to London to attend, along with police representatives and trade groups. However, a request for a reporter from The Publican to attend was refused.
Mr Blair told the meeting: "Millions of people drink alcohol responsibly every day. No-one wants to stop that pleasure. But there is a clear and growing problem on our town and city centre streets up and down the country on Friday and Saturday nights.
"At a time when overall crime is falling alcohol related violent crime is rising. New powers are there. They need to be used. As a society we must make sure that binge drinking does not become the new British Disease.
"There should be safe and enjoyable drinking for the majority and zero tolerance of the anti-social minority."
The Prime Minister also signalled that the Cabinet is coming around to Home Secretary David Blunkett's view that, unless there is evidence of genuine action to end irresponsible promotions, pub operators and drinks manufacturers will have to fund the costs of policing drunken behavior.
The IPPR first floated the idea of paid-for policing to fund the so-called late night economy more than two years ago.
The government showed a united front on the issue, with Mr Blair accompanied by Home Office minister Hazel Blears, Melanie Johnson from the Department of Health, and DCMS licensing minister Richard Caborn.
Ministers also stressed that the government wants to work with the industry, and believes the Licensing Act will create lead to a more civilised and responsible drinking culture.
Mr Caborn, said the act "will end fixed closing times and put in place tough new powers to crack down on the irresponsible behaviour of a minority."
Hazel Blears pledged that this summer's planned crackdown by police on under-age and binge drinking in city centres "will not be a one off blitz, but the start of a very long campaign."
The police will be encouraged to make greater use of powers ranging from on-the-spot fines for offenders to emergency closure of premises causing concern.
