Action needed on licensing hours to tackle under age drinking

12.47.20am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 8th Nov 2005

40% of outlets serve alcohol to under 18s

Commenting on Government figures that show that 40% of outlets serve alcohol to under 18s, Liberal Democrats Councillor Linda Seekings said "These figures are scary - especially when you realise that nine children in England are admitted to hospital every day because of alcohol related problems."

The nine children every day figure was revealed in a parliamentary answer that show over 3300 children were admitted to hospital last year for alcohol related reasons. The situation has not improved at all since Labour came to power.

"Tougher penalties against irresponsible landlords may help, but the longer licensing hours certainly won't. International evidence suggests that longer licensing hours will increase, not decrease, the cost of alcohol to society."