24hr Drink ban for party town

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Title – 24hr Drink ban for party town
Source – Metro
Date – 2nd July 2008

The Licensing Act 2003 gave provision for the Police to use closure orders to prevent crime and disorder, but they are always a reluctance to enforce such measures unless it is as a matter of last resort. Facebook and other social networking sites have led to a spate of ‘gatherings’ both in private residences and public places that have resulted in large scale disturbances and damage.

There have been several private parties that have been posted on Facebook and where hundreds have turned up ‘uninvited’ and literally trashed private residences causing tens of thousands of pounds of damage. A similar event on the London underground the day before Boris’s drinking ban came into effect attracted thousands and resulted in great sections of the tube being closed to prevent further disorder. The ‘wild-fire’ nature of these open invitations on social networking sights are impossible to control and as such we can expect to see more and more of the powers granted to the licensing authorities and police being used to promote the licensing objectives:

• The Prevention of Crime and Disorder


• Public Safety


• The Prevention of Public Nuisance


• The Protection of Children From Harm

Everyone working within the Licensed Retail Sector has a duty to promote these objectives and to understand the local licensing policy and the Licensing Act 2003. This is achieved through effective training of managers and staff and in obtaining qualifications such as the Award in Responsible Alcohol Retailing (ARAR), the National Certificate for Personal Licence Holders (NCPLH) and the National Certificate for Designated Premises Supervisors (NCDPS), all of which are available from Beyond The Blue Ltd.

It is only through a dynamic and cohesive approach, where licensed retailers work closely with the police and licensing authorities to achieve the same goals and successfully promote the licensing objectives that the retailers who will ultimately profit from less disorder and the associated cost reduction.

Please visit our website please visit at www.btbl.co.uk