Action needed to reverse Labour’s binge-drinking culture

Trevor Ivory calls to tackle problems of alcohol-related violence and yob behaviour

Trevor Ivory, the Conservative Candidate for North Norfolk has added his voice to calls for action to rein back Labour’s licensing laws and take tough action against the uncontrolled spread in binge-drinking as new Home Office figures reveal the extent of the role alcohol plays in North Norfolk’s violent crime. Last year there were 805 violent attacks in North Norfolk and 378 of these are estimated to have been alcohol-related.

Commenting on the figures, Trevor Ivory said, “North Norfolk is a relatively safe place to live but alcohol still accounts for almost half of the total number of violent attacks, which makes it a real problem for many of our rural communities.”

Mr Ivory added that there is growing concern about the overlapping problems of late night drinking, fast food outlets selling alcohol at night, under-age drinking, the easy availability of high-strength alcohol and supermarkets selling alcohol below cost-price. Speaking to concerned local residents he said that Labour’s licensing laws have created a presumption in favour of alcohol licences being given out, and imposed tight restrictions on who can object to any licensing application.

“Whilst police are dealing with alcohol related incidents they are not able to answer emergency calls elsewhere,” said Mr Ivory, whose comments were echoed by the Police Federation.

“Labour’s licensing laws are too lax. I don’t want a return to the old days where every pub shut at 11pm, but councils need greater powers to tackle binge-drinking and violence and the reckless sale of cheap alcohol is damaging health and fuelling violence. Responsible adults should be able to have a night out without fear of violence and parents should be reassured that their children are not going to come to harm. North Norfolk’s local pubs should not be tarred with the same brush as irresponsible bars or fast food outlets peddling booze into the early hours.” Mr Ivory added.