BMA Comment On 24-hour Licensing Review, UK

Main Category: Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs
Article Date: 05 Mar 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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Commenting on the results of the recent review of licensing laws in England and Wales, the BMA's Head of Science and Ethics, Dr Vivienne Nathanson, says:

"It is essential that the government continues to review 24-hour licensing, not only for its effect on crime but also its impact on public health. Research has already indicated a possible link between 24-hour licensing and increases in alcohol-related cases in A&E units. If this is confirmed in larger studies, the government must act.

"We are pleased that the government is proposing tough action on alcohol sales to under-18s. But tough talk alone is not enough - penalties must be enforced. There needs to be a change in perception - if retailers knew they couldn't get away with selling alcohol to under-18s they probably wouldn't do it.

"On a wider issue, the government needs to look at the whole area of alcohol misuse and licensing hours are just one aspect of this issue. The BMA recently launched its report on tackling alcohol misuse, and we want the government to also focus on taxation and access to alcohol. We are also calling for increased funding for treatment centres for people with alcohol problems."

http://www.bma.org.uk