City centres are being ruined by clubs and bars staying open until the early hours of the morning, according to a sociology professor, Dick Hobbs, of Durham University.
He claims the "Hannibal Lecter of this story" is the alcohol industry, which send teams of lawyers to browbeat magistrates into approving late-night licence applications.
Defeat for the brewers means losing a few weeks' profit. But defeat for the local community could mean "a devastating blow to the public purse and a subsequent impact upon local services".
Barcelona's 24-hour cafe society, Hobbs insists, does not transform easily into British town and cities.
He says a "team of teetotal recluses" must be behind plans to liberalise Britain's licensing laws and impose staggered closing times.
There are just 30 police officers to deal with approximately 90,000 drinkers in Manchester city centre, which is buzzing seven days a week.
These are "complemented" by more than 1,000 door staff and bouncers.
Within perhaps 15 years, Hobbs claims, the prime responsibility for public order could lie with security firms contracted by the local constabulary but accountable to directors and shareholders.
The Sunday Times 03/02/02 page 5.4 (News review)
He claims the "Hannibal Lecter of this story" is the alcohol industry, which send teams of lawyers to browbeat magistrates into approving late-night licence applications.
Defeat for the brewers means losing a few weeks' profit. But defeat for the local community could mean "a devastating blow to the public purse and a subsequent impact upon local services".
Barcelona's 24-hour cafe society, Hobbs insists, does not transform easily into British town and cities.
He says a "team of teetotal recluses" must be behind plans to liberalise Britain's licensing laws and impose staggered closing times.
There are just 30 police officers to deal with approximately 90,000 drinkers in Manchester city centre, which is buzzing seven days a week.
These are "complemented" by more than 1,000 door staff and bouncers.
Within perhaps 15 years, Hobbs claims, the prime responsibility for public order could lie with security firms contracted by the local constabulary but accountable to directors and shareholders.
The Sunday Times 03/02/02 page 5.4 (News review)
