Government must see sense over binge drinking - Jo

11.28.11am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 26th Oct 2005

Jo wants the Governement to address binge drinking before extening pub opening hours

Jo Swinson MP has attacked the Government for ignoring the causes of binge drinking.

Speaking in the licensing debate in the House of Commons on Monday, Jo questioned Minister James Purnell over how extending pub opening times would help tackle Britain's binge drinking culture.

Jo commented,

"The Government seems to think that longer pub opening hours will make people drink less, but this is clearly not the way to address the problem of binge drinking.

"They should look at the example of Scotland, where alcohol consumption rose after drinking laws were relaxed in 1976.

"Flexible licensing hours could potentially reduce binge drinking in the longer term, but before extending drinking hours the Government should first take steps to bring binge drinking under control."

Liberal Democrat MPs joined the Conservatives in opposing the Government's Licensing Laws in a debate in the Chamber of the Commons on Monday evening. It preceded a crucial vote today (Wednesday) on whether or not the Licensing Act is implemented on 24th November.

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Full text of Jo's question can be read at: