Managing The Night Time Economy?

6 July 2006

The implementation of the Licensing Act in November 2005 has proved to be a catalyst which has improved partnership working in North Wales, but the cost to the public purse and the impact on crime and health has yet to be assessed.

This was the thrust of Assistant Chief Constable Ian Shannon's evidence to the Welsh Assembly's Local Government and Public Services Committee during its session in Colwyn Bay today (Thursday 6th July).

'We did a lot of work with the Licensing trade and other partners before the implementation of Act last November in order to tackle the anticipated problems of people being able to drink for long periods," he said, "and there has been very little impact on the number of incidents of disorder overall."

However there has been a change in drinking patterns which means that even though there has been a decrease in incidents before midnight, the number between midnight and 4am has increased. Consequently we have had to change our management of the night time economy throughout the force...but with no more money or people to deal with these issues. It's clear from the evidence presented this morning that the Ambulance Service are dealing with exactly the same problems."

"We are not killjoys but we need to assess the costs and the impact on the Police service and other agencies in order to prioritise resources and make the right rational tactical decision," he said, "The regulation and enforcement of the night time economy cannot be accomplished by the Police alone and partnership working is essential."