Rise in pub brawls shows longer opening hours must be delayed - Foster

11.19.13am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 24th Jun 2005

New figures from Bath's MP, Don Foster, have backed up his calls to delay the introduction of longer pub opening hours. Don's research has revealed that alcohol-fuelled violence has risen by over a third in Avon and Somerset in the last year (compared to a rise of 15% nationally).

The analysis of "violent offences committed in connection with licensed premises" for 31 of the country's 43 police force areas reveals:

· Alcohol-fuelled violence in Avon & Somerset rose almost 34% between 2002/3 and 2003/4 (compared to 15% nationally)

· The greatest rise was in Cleveland (175%)

· The greatest decline was in W.Yorkshire (-39%)

· 24 areas saw a rise and only 7 areas a decline

Commenting, Don Foster MP said:

"This is further evidence that binge drinking is getting out of control. The Labour Government is nothing short of reckless to press ahead with longer licensing hours when pub brawls are on the rise.

"Even the Licensing Minister has now admitted that the introduction of the new licensing laws will be "difficult."

"The Government must now act and urgently delay their plans for longer pub opening hours and also clamp down on happy hours."