HC Deb 18 November 2002 vol 394 cc10-1W
14. Mr. Pickthall

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to tackle binge-drinking associated with the 11 o'clock closing of pubs. [81381]

Dr. Howells

The Licensing Bill will introduce flexible opening hours—with the potential for up to 24 hour opening seven days a week, although we expect most premises to extend their opening hours to a more modest extent. This will discourage the culture of binge-drinking before last orders, stimulate a more mature attitude towards alcohol consumption, and help reduce public disorder resulting from artificially early fixed closing times.

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