A regional police chief has criticised proposed plans to allow pubs and bars to stay open for longer, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
Joy Allen, Durham and Darlington’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), has warned that the Government’s proposals could increase alcohol abuse and violence.
The plans, which could also make it easier for venues to serve food outside and host more live music, are being considered in a bid to “remove unnecessary barriers”.
But PCC Allen said public services were already buckling under the strain of alcohol harm and raised awareness around the risks of alcohol-related illness in the North East.
“Longer drinking hours would make harmful drinking even more accessible under these plans and would undoubtedly increase the risk of serious violence, intoxication, sexual harassment and gender-based violence, placing extra pressure on policing resources and budgets at a time when they are already severely overstretched,” she said.
The costs of crime and disorder related to alcohol are estimated to cost £812.4 million in the North East alone and are linked to 700,000 alcohol-related violent incidents a year. Tackling alcohol crime is part of the PCC’s new Police, Crime and Justice Plan for 2026.
Ms Allen added: “Without a late-night levy in place, who would be picking up the tab for the increased policing costs for the extended hours and the likely fallout on crime levels – the taxpayer? Or should there be a windfall tax on the alcohol industry?
“I implore the Government to take the alcohol crisis seriously and to take heed of the growing evidence of its impact on society, without industry influence. The North East already has some of the worst rates of alcohol harm in the UK.
“These plans would only exaggerate these challenges and place the region at further disadvantage. Surely lives must come before consumer demand and profits?”
The PCC is also the joint portfolio lead for Addictions and Substance Misuse on behalf of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, but claimed commissioners were excluded from any of the initial discussions over the review.
The Government has launched a four-week call for evidence from the hospitality sector and communities.
A Government spokesperson said: “These changes are about making it easier for pubs and restaurants to change their licensing conditions without unnecessary red tape.”
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
