Licensing laws!

(Comet Newspaper)



One of those occasions when, what makes the national news also affects Baldock.
The following appeared in The Comet this week:

Residents fear that Baldock could be turned into a paradise for drinkers, increasing problems of vandalism, rowdy behaviour and noise as town centre pubs get permission to stay open later.

They are concerned that locals could be joined by a flood of others from outside the town for drinking sessions which get out of hand.

They expressed their fears at the licensing session for The Engine and White Hart pubs on Tuesday, heard by North Herts district councillors.

I have to say that I totally agree, even speaking here as an individual member of the Labour Party!
The ideas behind the licensing laws are wel-meaning, but misguided. They don't take into account that in Europe there is a different drinking culture. For example a bottle of wine usually accompanies a meal, but that bottle lasts the whole day, not during lunch!
I also believe however, that those pubs which will not take advantage of the new licensing laws, will have the support of many people within the Baldock area.