“Pocket money priced alcohol in supermarkets is a key factor in making many town centres ‘no go’ areas," said the Liberal Democrat Shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, Don Foster.
Licensing statistics released today by the Government reveal:
- There are now more than 170,000 alcohol licences in England and Wales
- 14% increase in 24 hour alcohol licences since last year
- 17% increase in supermarkets with 24 hour licences and a 19% increase in pubs bars and nightclubs with 24 hour licences
- A decline in the number of pubs and bars and an increase in off-licences
- Only 150 licences were revoked last year - less than 0.1% of the total
Commenting on the figures,
Don Foster said: “While the Government fails to get to grips with the problems caused by binge drinking, the number of licensed premises is soaring.“Pocket money priced alcohol in supermarkets is a key factor in making many town centres ‘no go’ areas. It is therefore worrying to see a rise in off licences and in supermarkets licensed to sell alcohol 24 hours a day.
“Allowing round-the-clock sales of cheap alcohol will only make the situation worse.
“We urgently need to bring in a minimum price for alcohol and crack down on irresponsible retailers to tackle Britain’s binge drinking culture.”
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