HC Deb 21 July 1988 vol 137 cc750-1W
27. Mr. Hunter

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take further measures to control the availability of alcohol, following recent alcohol-related incidents of violence in the south of England.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

We believe that the licensing legislation provides sufficient powers to control the sale of alcohol. We are taking the opinion of magistrates, police and the industry on this point. In a forthcoming circular to the police and magistrates, we shall remind them of the powers available to prevent and deal with alcohol-related disorder and urge them to consider their greater use.

30. Mr. Atkinson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any plans to review the minimum legal age for the purchase of alcohol.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

We have at present no plans to do SO.

33. Mr. Sackville

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has about the evidence of illegal sales from off-licences of alcohol to minors.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The information available for this purpose does not distinguish between different types of licensed premises. The following information relates to 1986:

Prosecutions Convictions Cautions
Offences under section 169(1) 296 165 246
Offences under section 169(2) 949 885 1,429

The Licensing Act 1988 contains provisions to strengthen the law on the sale of alcohol to young people and to require sales in off-licensed premises by staff under the age of 18 to be effectively supervised. These new measures will come into force on 1 August.

68. Sir Peter Emery

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to make the consumption of alcohol on the pavements, roadways and public areas of sports grounds illegal.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc) Act 1985 established controls on the possession of alcohol on entry to and within designated football grounds. The existing criminal law provides a range of remedies to penalise drunkenness, disorderliness and other misbehaviour frequently associated with heavy drinking. My right hon. Friend has agreed to an experimental bye-law in Coventry which will make it an offence to consume alcohol in designated streets and other public places. The pilot project will run for two years, and will be carefully evaluated by the Home Office and the participating authority.