First attempt to reduce alcohol harm through EMRO
Hartlepool became the first local authority in the country to try and use legislation to reduce the availability of cheap alcohol through an Early Morning Alcohol Restriction Order (EMRO).
The Early Morning Alcohol Restriction Order (EMRO) is a new power that has been made available to licensing authorities following changes to the Licensing Act and can be used to force all alcohol licensed premises in a specific area to close at a certain time.
In December 2012 the Licensing Committee decided to consult on a proposal that would require premises to close at 2am in the town centre area.
However, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Licensing Committee decided that there is too much risk for local businesses if plans to force pubs to close early were introduced later this year.
Colin Shevills, Director of Balance, said: “Evidence tells us that the best way to prevent alcohol harm is by making it less affordable, reducing the promotion and marketing of alcohol products – and in this case reducing the availability.
We applaud Hartlepool Council as the first local authority in the country to try and use legislation to reduce the availability of cheap alcohol through an Early Morning Alcohol Restriction Order (EMRO).
However, it is disappointing that on this occasion the EMRO has been rejected. Evidence tells us that the best way to prevent alcohol harm is by making it less affordable, reducing the promotion and marketing of alcohol products – and in this case reducing the availability. Alcohol can be bought 24 hours a day, seven days a week and this is taking its toll on individuals and our communities across the region.
“Unfortunately local authorities across the North East are finding it difficult to use the licensing act to restrict availability and reduce harm – and something needs to be done.
“We urge bars and clubs in Hartlepool to work closely with the local authority to reduce the impact that alcohol is having on crime, individuals, families, businesses and the local community. And this includes reducing and restricting the hours in which alcohol can be bought.”
Read the press release here.