UK opening hours and binge drinking

[KittyGlitter]

What do people think of British opening hours for pubs and bars? I get the impression that people rush their drinking which could encourage binge drinking, so my opinion is that later opening hours might actually cut down on binge drinking.

[simsfreq]

I agree with you! There isn't half as much of a binge drinking culture in mainland Europe, it's friendly and relaxed... it might be too late to start to change our ways now though.

[Chessman]

If its opinions your after, later opening hours will make no difference, most of the binge drinking is done during the last hour of opening, regardless of the time of closing, later hours just mean that more drinks can be consumed, and it also means another nail in the coffin thats called England. (My opinion).

[rjkh]

Have to disagree with Chessman. I work in a nightclub in Edinburgh, where clubs are granted an extension until 3am. There is never any last minute rush to get drinks in, and in fact the place usually starts to empty from about 2.15 onwards. By contrast, I once worked a shift for one of the company's other units, in Carlisle, where everywhere shuts at 2am. It was absolute pandemonium at five to two! You would be amazed at just how much longer the night feels with just that one extra hour.

To further illustrate this, at certain times of the year (namely the Edinburgh Festival, and over the festive period) nightclubs here can apply for an extension until 5am. Whilst most make the application, and have their extension granted, very few actually stay open that late as the trade dies off long beforehand.

[Artemis]

I also disagree with Chessman and agree with simsfreq and rjkh. Having been in the licensed trade for 30 years, I am convinced the new licensing laws are a change for the better. 

[Chessman]

Thats fair enough, I stand disagreed with, and I accept it, I'll just have to watch what happens when these laws come in.