06 September 2005
Methodist President writes to Tessa Jowell over alcohol concerns
The Revd Tom Stuckey, President of the Methodist Conference for
2005/6, has written to the Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP, Secretary of
State for Culture, Media and Sport, to express concerns about two
areas of the Licensing Act. The full text of the letter is
below.
Dear Ms Jowell
I am writing on behalf of the Methodist Church to express our
concern about the levels of alcohol consumption in this country and
the possible consequences of the Licensing Act due to come into
effect in November 2005.
We are sympathetic to many of the aims of the Licensing Act,
particularly the articulation in the licensing objectives of the
need to prevent crime, disorder and public nuisance, and to protect
children. We also support the increased powers for police to close
down problem venues.
We recognise that, contrary to media reports, the Act is not about
the licensing of 24 hour drinking, and have stated from the
beginning that staggering closing hours could assist with the
prevention of disorder.
However we have become increasingly concerned with two aspects of
the Act.
Firstly we are concerned that the Government is pressing ahead with
measures that increase the availability of alcohol, especially
given the rise in a culture of binge drinking, the increasing costs
of chronic and binge drinking to the NHS, and the levels of crime
fuelled by alcohol.
Although many people will aspire to a more 'continental' drinking
culture, such a culture change will not be brought about by
legislative action. Research suggests that excessive drinking is
tackled by restricting the availability of alcohol and raising the
price of it. We are also aware of the serious concerns that have
been expressed by magistrates, the police and senior persons within
the NHS regarding the possible negative consequences of elements of
the Act on the wider community. We are concerned that the
Government is proceeding with legislation that will result in an
increase in the availability of alcohol, at a time when alcohol has
become increasingly affordable, relative to personal wealth, over
the last decade.
Secondly the Government has always claimed that the Act will give
local people a far greater say over licensing decisions in their
area, through the ability to make representations as interested
parties in licensing applications. However we are concerned that
there has been insufficient public education, combined with a very
short timescale for residents to spot applications and put together
a representation. Few people realise that unless representations
are received, licence applications are granted, subject to
mandatory requirements. The public outcry over the forthcoming
implementation of the Licensing Act demonstrates that people are
far from feeling empowered by the new legislation.
These two concerns therefore lead us to ask the Government whether
it would consider firstly restricting the flexibility of the new
opening hours whilst excessive alcohol consumption is of such a
concern, and implementing other non- legislative measures to
improve our drinking culture, and secondly increasing the real
influence that local people will have over the licensing
process.
The Methodist Church has long been concerned about the impact of
problem drinking and demonstrated its willingness to co-operate
with Government where possible. Our representatives met with you
and with officials during the passage of the Act through
Parliament. We participated in the consultation around the National
Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy, and we were encouraged by the
comprehensive recommendations which came out of this study. We
produced a study guide for members Ð 'One too manyÉ?' - outlining
the implications of the Licensing Act and other Government
initiatives and suggesting ways members could respond. And in
December there will be a Methodist-led conference for churches and
individuals working with people who abuse drugs and alcohol.
We hope therefore that you will take seriously our concerns about
the Licensing Act.
I look forward to hearing from you
Yours sincerely
The Revd Tom Stuckey