Doctors’ leaders have applied for a licensing extension until 1am at the bar in their London headquarters at the same time as they are urging the Government to take tougher action over alcohol abuse.
The British Medical Association has warned of a “public health emergency”, criticised 24-hour drinking and demanded that Ministers raise taxes on alcohol by 10%, ban cut-price offers and reduce the drink-drive limit.
Meanwhile neighbours have objected to the BMA’s application for a two-hour licence extension at historic BMA House, the former home of author Charles Dickens, in Tavistock Square. One complained of “problems with urinating” and late-night revellers “frolicking on scaffolding”. Another said the new licence would encourage people to drink excessively and lead to “increased risk of crime and disorder”.
The BMA claims that “local pubs” are to blame for the problems that their neighbours complained about.
The Mail on Sunday 24/02/08 page 39
The Sunday Times 24/02/08 page 1
The Sunday Telegraph 24/02/08 page 6
