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UK’s 24-hour drinking law had no effect on violence

The introduction of 24-hour drinking licenses in the UK had no effect on alcohol-related violence, a university study has found.

There was found to be no relationship between late alcohol licensing and alcohol-related violence

The 2003 Licensing Act, introduced in November 2005, allowed pubs, clubs and off-licenses to apply for later licensing hours.

It was hoped that by staggering the point people were forced to stop drinking, imbibers would not empty into the streets at the same time and increase the chance of alcohol-related violence.

However, a study by the University of Cambridge found on violent crime and flexible alcohol licensing in Manchester, England, found no correlation between the two.

Its authors claim the Licensing Act was built on “weak evidence that contradicted more credible and empirically supported theories about alcohol availability and harm”.

“Over the past decade, England and Wales have witnessed a series of political prevention initiatives for alcohol-related harm that have been implemented largely without evaluation or systematic appraisal,” said Dr David Humphreys, who conducted the research while at Cambridge’s Institute of Criminology.
“This has resulted in missed opportunities to generate evidence, and a missed opportunity to learn, both of and from, any mistakes.”

The study compared data from Greater Manchester Police and the Local Authority from 2004 to 2007. Some premises chose to stick to their original closing time, while others extended their hours.

It was found that on average there was 27-32% reduction in the concentration of closing times on weekdays, and 48-53% on weekends.

The study’s authors are calling for better communication between researchers and policymakers when it comes to new, future regulations.

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