HEMMING “CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE” PUB CRAWL ON RADIO 4

12-12-2007

Birmingham MP John Hemming has highlights from his “civil disobedience” pub crawl broadcast on BBC Radio 4 today – but his stance is criticised by a city councillor who warns that alcohol-inspired disorder is on the increase as a result of the recent Licensing Act.

As previously reported on The Stirrer, Hemming wants to signal his disapproval of a “Christmas Crackdown” on drunkenness, inspired by the Home Office (see link here)

His view is that what is or isn’t “drunk” is ultimately only a matter of opinion – and that in any event, as long as you’re doing no harm to anyone else, the government should butt out.

“It’s a personal choice, and the state has no business interfering” he said.

Hemming also condemns as “sneaky” and “not English” the possibility that plain clothes police might be carrying out undercover checks on boozy premises.

Birmingham councillor Nigel Dawkins who sits on the city’s Licensing Committee puts the alternative view.

Rather than going too far, he argues that the government isn’t going far enough to deal with the malign effects of the Licensing Act 2003.

It’s his belief that all the evidence – statistical and anecdotal – is that the Act has failed to create a continental-style drinking culture in the UK, and that the “11 o’clock” surge in post-pub disorder has simply been displaced to 2am.

Dawkins refers to a recent late night riot at the Three Horsehoes in Stirchley, which was only quelled by 60 police officers and use of a helicopter.

“We can’t have people in public places who are literally out of control, who are drunk” he says.

“Over 50% of violent crime is alcohol related…there are some nasty people out there, and alcohol makes them nastier”.

Hear both views and make up your own mind at noon today a report by Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg is broadcast on Radio 4’s You and Yours.