Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse

Mr. Jim Cunningham
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps the Government has taken to tackle binge drinking while protecting consumer rights.

Mr. Sutcliffe
[holding answer 29 February 2008]: The Licensing Act 2003, which came into effect in November 2005, aimed to provide a balanced package of freedoms and safeguards. It has an important role in the prevention of crime and disorder and public nuisance perpetrated by a minority while giving the responsible majority more freedom and choice about how they spend their leisure time.