UK launches drinking blitz as new laws loom

LONDON - Britain launched its biggest ever crackdown on binge drinking and alcohol-fuelled violence yesterday, just days before new laws will allow pubs to stay open longer.

The Christmas and New Year campaign will target bars, pubs and clubs that sell alcohol to under-18s and to those who are already drunk, the Home Office said.

Police will also target drunken behaviour with on-the-spot fines and rely on intelligence-led work to identify town-centre venues that cause problems for the local community.

"We know that many Londoners will be out celebrating the festive period in the weeks ahead and we want everyone to enjoy doing so in a safe environment," Commander Chris Allison said in a statement.

"Responsible drinking backed up by licensees taking a lawful and accountable approach to the sale of alcohol will help ensure town centres do not turn into areas of violence, fear and vomit.

"Revellers need to protect themselves from becoming a victim of crime. Anyone getting drunk and becoming disorderly faces an expensive night out with the possibility of an 80 pound fixed penalty fine or a court appearance."

New licensing laws come into effect across England and Wales on November 24 which will allow pubs and bars to stay open for longer.

The government says that under the existing system, drinkers spill out onto the street at the same time when pubs close, fuelling drunken fights and vandalism.

But the country's senior judges and police have warned the new rules could make an already serious problem worse.

The opposition Conservative party has criticised the new rules and, in a largely symbolic move, will force another vote in the House of Commons.

"If we have extended licensing hours ... people are going to drink more and we're going to have yet more of the problems of anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder that we see being fuelled by alcohol," shadow culture secretary Theresa May told the BBC.

"We have a problem of binge drinking in this country and what I say is 'let's try and sort that out before we look at actually extending the licensing hours."' The government is not expected to lose the vote.

- REUTERS