24-hour party poopers

Judge Charles Harris has condemned the UK government's plans to liberalise licensing laws. But our illiberal government shares his dim view of most drinkers.

Harris was sentencing three men to prison after they went on a rampage through the Midlands town of Kettering following England's football defeat to France in June 2004. Condemning the 'substantial proportion of young people today who drink in excess, take drugs and if possible watch football', Harris said the problem was made worse by 'legislation to make alcohol available at all times of the day and night'. This was okay for 'reasonable people' but not for those turned into 'ugly, urban savages' by their excesses.

But far from disagreeing with Harris, the government shares his views. Launching the government's alcohol reduction strategy in March 2004, Home Office minister Hazel Blears condemned 'Young people, mainly between 18 and 25, who are going out specifically to get as drunk as they can'.

What both the judge and the politicians want is a 'café culture', with civilised people engaged in lively conversation while sipping wine - not people getting paralytic on alcopops and getting into fights. The difference is that New Labour will let you do what you like - even watch football - so long as you do it 'responsibly'. In other words, as long as you do it according to government guidelines.

But what's the point of drinking (or watching football, for that matter) if you have to be responsible?

Judge blasts pub plan, The Sun, 11 January 2005