| |
Embrace drinking? Expect the hangover
CRITICS of the Licensing Act 2003 warned that its child, 24-hour drinking, was doomed to be a failure.
Five years ago New Labour felt it was master of the world, and arrogantly dismissed the fears of critics.
Today, a more sober government may be listening to the police who condemn the laws for having simply encouraged binge-drinkers.
In Camden, as elsewhere, bingeing has helped to clog up hospitals with alcohol-related casualties.
Other faults ran through the act. So many, all showing signs that this hapless piece of legislation had been badly thought through.
This is highlighted by the current clash between the Albert Street Residents Association and the Spread Eagle pub in Camden Town.
Under the law it becomes the responsibility of residents to act effectively as a police force, producing evidence of any disturbance caused by patrons of the pub.
The residents, understandably, want the pub to police itself; the pub, naturally, does not want to be at war with its neighbours.
Even the most poured-over draft of a proposed law can produce unintended consequences.
Wise legislators step carefully.
In this case, it seems powerful interests in the liquor industry had too much of a say. The price is being paid by overworked doctors and nurses, rising health costs, and a kind of “civil war” in the community.
Why consult on a closed deal?
THE engine behind the transformation of Camden Town has been the remarkable development of the Camden Lock market since the mid-1970s.
It has brought about the reinvention of the character of the area.
And it is still in the process of renewing itself.
Now, the council is carrying out a consultation on the future of huge tracts of land around Hawley Wharf. It is difficult to understand the nature of this consultation, bearing in mind that much of the land has been bought for more than £17million in
the past three years .
The owners of the land are, presumably, fully entitled to have a say on what happens on their land. So what is the significance of the consultation? |
 |
|
|
| |
| |
