Written question asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Davies of Oldham (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 December 2007.

Licensing: Alcohol Consumption

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:What effect their November 2005 extended drinking hours legislation has had on reducing the incidence of (a) binge drinking; (b) underage consumption of alcohol; and (c) road traffic accidents involving drunk drivers.

Answer: The latest statistics suggest the number of adults drinking more than double the recommended limits has decreased among men and remained stable amongst women. However, these figures cover 2005 and largely relate to the period before the 2003 Act came into effect. Recent statistics on underage consumption suggest that fewer young people aged 11 to 15 are drinking alcohol, but those who are drinking are consuming more alcohol more often. There is no evidence that these changes are due to the 2003 Act, particularly as this trend predates the introduction of the new legislation and the majority of alcohol drunk by children is given to them by family and friends and drunk at home rather than purchased by them in licensed premises. We have no evidence linking the 2003 Act with incidences of road traffic accidents involving drivers over the legal alcohol limit. Provisional figures published in Road Casualties Great Britain 2006 suggest that the number of such incidents fell in the first full year following the implementation of the 2003 Act.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 339; 696 c178-9WA
Session: 2007-08
Related items: Licensing: Alcohol Consumption
Wednesday, 23 January 2008
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Alcoholic drinks Accidents Driving under influence Licensed premises Misuse Opening hours Licensing laws Young people Roads
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk