Drink-fuelled violence down since extended hours
Police in England and Wales say violent crime was reduced by 11% over the Christmas period when pubs and clubs were allowed to stay open longer.
The reduction in serious violence was even more dramatic - 21% lower than the same period in 2004.
The figures will be a severe blow for the Daily Mail and other commentators who predicted the end of civilisation when pub opening hours were extended.
British Beer and Pub Association director of communications Mark Hastings welcomed the news saying:
"It certainly comes as no surprise to those in the industry. Staggered closing times seems to be working as we thought they would. It is a positive result but there is no cause for complacency."
Bar, Entertainment and Dance Association chief executive Jon Collins said the industry had benefitted from the extra focus placed on it.
He said:"The drop in crime is not just down to extra hours but also dispersal policies, added police resources, late-night transport and partnership groups. Everyone has been concentrating on how to better manage the night time economy." Alcohol-related disorder is a serious concern for the governmentA Home Office Spokesman said today
Police were given extra money to target alcohol-related crime in the run up to Christmas and the combination of this and the staggered closing times appears to have helped.
A Home Office Spokesman said:
"Alcohol-related disorder is a serious concern for the government, that is why we are providing police with a range of measures to crack down on this."
The Morning Advertiser has long campaigned on the issue of Responsible Drinks Retailing and last year launched a campaign to highlight how hard the trade is working to stamp out drink-fuelled trouble.
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