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As I write we are in the midst of what could be most charitably referred to as “interesting times”. The past eighteen months or so have been some of the toughest late night operators – even those with extremely long memories – have ever experienced.
Whilst it is easy to argue that some premises could and should raise their retail standards, what is also clear is that these conditions are primarily a politically-motivated attempt to be seen to be doing something regarding alcohol related violence and disorder. Crucially the code is also an exercise in machismo to see who is toughest (Labour or the Tories) on alcohol policy.
2010 has started with a challenge as customers have turned up the heating and hunkered down at home. Speaking to operators over the last few days, it is clear that the snow has caused problems in the short term, yet in the longer term the House of Commons Health Committee report on Alcohol (just published) could cause more profound and long-lasting damage to our industry.
I’ve spent a decent amount of time in Oldham over recent months and can say honestly that, much like Nottingham a few years ago, it is seems to have been cruelly misrepresented by a sensationalist media. Not that Oldham is perfect. Like many of the satellite towns around Manchester, Oldham loses out a great deal of upmarket custom for those heading out for the big night out.
You would be hard pressed, at this time, to find many people who will be positive about New Labour’s overall record with regard to our industry. Yet more generally as a country we are coming to the end of a long and torrid love affair with New Labour.
The issue of alcohol related violence and disorder is clearly on Tory minds at the moment. David Cameron’s recent visit to Hull prompted a much-publicised statement to do something about the issue of cheap booze.
Watch Noctis Executive Director, Paul Smith explaining to the BBC Panorama programme why the price isn't right when it comes to pre-loading.
A free one day conference has been organised with Noctis working with AB-InBev, NUS and NUS Services to look at a number of the issues around the social norms of student drinking.
Browse through a list of stakeholders and partners in the late night economy.
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