Locals agree with call to end 24 hour licensing

Call to end 24 hour licensing

Following MEP Paul Nuttall's recent call for an end to 24-hour licensing to curb violence and disorderly behaviour, Rochdale Online spoke to local members of the public to ask their views.

Diane Shaw said: “I don’t think it’s a good idea. I think it encourages people to drink more than they have to. I don’t think opening hours should go back to how they were but maybe they should be extended a little.”

Alex Henry said: “I don’t think 24 hour licensing is a good idea for pubs but I think clubs is a different story. Clubs are supposed to be open long hours. I wouldn’t mind seeing pubs going back to traditional closing times but I don’t think it would work with clubs.”

Rachel Bankcroft said: “Its not a good idea. It encourages people to drink for longer and be drunk more of the time.”

Adam Farrand added: “I think 24 hour licensing promotes drinking but not sensible and responsible drinking.”

Lee Taylor disagreed, he said: “I don’t really have an issue with it. I think in this day and age pubs and clubs should be allowed to trade when they want to.”

In his comments, Mr Nuttall said: “Alcohol-fuelled crime costs England and Wales around £11billion a year which is clearly unacceptable. It is also a terrible drain on the emergency services and the NHS.”

Rebecca Bennett, a student nurse, agreed and said: “Because I have medically treated people who have been under the influence of alcohol and drugs when the clubs shut, I would say that 24 hour licensing is a bad idea. I think it puts a strain on ambulance staff and A&E staff. I think people abuse the fact that they can drink 24/7 rather than drinking wisely and having a good time.”

The licensing act 2003 gives premises flexible opening hours with the potential for 24 hour opening, seven days a week.

Mr Nuttall added: “There must be an urgent change in the licensing laws so that there are fixed closing times, such as 11.30pm for pubs and off-licences and 3am for clubs.”