24-hour drinking

Alan Gordon, Vice-Chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales: 
 
“Whilst it is true that statistics demonstrate that overall consumption of alcohol and binge drinking is falling, frontline police officers have to deal with the unpredictability and uncertainty of 24 hour licensing. We have to ensure we have sufficient police officers on duty 24 hours a day to deal with the increasing minority of people who persistently drink to excess and then cause trouble. Our role has been made more difficult as a consequence of an increase in alcohol related incidents and we would welcome and support a review of 24 hour licensing.”