UK Parliament / Open data

Violent Crime Reduction Bill

The hon. Lady makes a fair point, but we must decide what the Bill says and means. Although it is undoubtedly true that standards of behaviour vary between premises, it is equally true that the clause will affect little corner shops or specialist trade off-licences whose contribution to alcohol-related disorder is zero. Of course, many of us think that some pubs need attention and that some restaurants might, but some pubs might not. That is where the measure is so vague. In Committee and throughout our debate today, there has been a complete absence of further explanation from the Government about what on earth they mean by the clause, so it is difficult for us to decide whether it is appropriate. Will the Minister make the clearest possible statement about clubs such as night clubs, where people predominantly go to dance—or do they? Do they go to such clubs for alcohol? I do not dance—[Laughter.]—if I can help it. By mistake, I took rock and roll dancing lessons about two years ago. It was a pathetic sight. However, people in the trade want to know about the position of night clubs where there is a serious combination of music and heavy drinking. Will they be exempted under subsection (6)?

About this proceeding contribution

Reference

439 c754-5 

Session

2005-06

Chamber / Committee

House of Commons chamber
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