Thursday 25th February 1999

Institute of Alcohol Studies Challenges Government over Millennium Binge Government proposals 'Against Public Interest'.

Government Ministers are being challenged by the IAS to provide assurances that health and other public services will be maintained over the millennium holiday period.

The challenge is contained in the IAS response to Government proposals to allow pubs and clubs to open continuously for 36 hours over the eve of the millennium and subsequent New Year's Eves.

While not opposing extended drinking hours as such, the IAS argues that the Government is wrong to impose all-night opening on local communities: local licensing committees can already grant extended drinking hours if they think that this is appropriate. The IAS also questions whether adequate safeguards are proposed to ensure that public services will be maintained.

There is already great concern, the IAS says, that the health service will struggle to cope with technological problems arising from the 'Millennium Bug', staff shortages and possible flu epidemics. Given the known burden of alcohol-related problems on the health service, particularly accident and emergency departments, 36 hour continual drinking could be the last straw. The same problems may be experienced by the public and transport services.

The IAS challenges the Government to make public the information and evidence on which it based its optimistic assumption that all-night opening will not cause such problems. Failure to provide this information can only confirm that the Government's proposals are against the public interest.

Notes For Editors

The full IAS response follows/ is to be found enclosed:

• New Year's Eve Licensing Hours

For further information please contact:

Andrew McNeill
Work: 01480 466766