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Search forPolice claim 24-hour drinking has 'reduced crime rates'
Wednesday, May 14, 2008, 09:15
A move to new 24-hour drinking laws sparked fears of increasing trouble at the city's pubs and clubs.
But three years since the change, Humberside Police officers today told the Mail later opening hours have seen a shift in drinking culture, helping reduce problems including violence and robbery.
Figures released by the police show violent crime during the weekend has fallen in the city during the past year, with more offences now being committed during weekday evenings.
Chief Inspector Darren Downs, of Humberside Police, said: “Hull city centre is as safe as it has ever been, with the level of violent crime having dropped since last year.
“Before 24-hour drinking was introduced, people used to leave the pubs and clubs at the same time, causing a large volumes of people at taxi ranks and takeaways.
“Now people are leaving at different times, which has reduced public congestion in places where violence is likely to flare up.
“The changes in drinking culture has also resulted in people starting their nights later, rather than staying out drinking for longer periods. It has also reduced the number of people buying large quantities of drink before last orders.”
The Licensing Act 2003 came into force in November 2005.
Designed to simplify the licensing laws, the legislation gave bars the option of applying for 24-hour opening, rather than calling last orders at the traditional time of 11pm.
Mark Charlton, partnership support manager for Hull Citysafe, the multi-agency crime and disorder reduction organisation, said: “In the past three years, projects such as the deployment of street marshals in the city centre at night has helped reduce the number of recorded crimes by 41 per cent.”
Revellers on a night out in George Street, Hull
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