MP Raises St Albans Concerns In the House
25th October 2005
As promised, Anne Main, MP for St Albans, spoke in the House of Commons to raise concerns about the chaos the new Licensing Act will inflict on the residents of St Albans.
As promised, Anne Main, MP for St Albans, spoke in the House of Commons to raise concerns about the chaos the new Licensing Act will inflict on the residents of St Albans.
Speaking at the debate on the new act late last night, Anne accused Labour Members of Parliament who were in support of the Act of complacency, saying that they 'seem to think that, as long as people are not making applications for 24-hour licenses, everything is fine.'
Explaining the difference between St Albans and many other big cites, Anne said, 'St Albans is a lived in city, not a desolate, late-night city. It is not a city that shuts up shop when everyone goes home to the suburbs...people also live and sleep - or try to sleep - in the heart of St Albans.'
She went on to explain that this meant that for St Albans, even 4 o'clock licenses would be disruptive. By the time that revelers weave their way home, local residents could find their streets don't go quiet until five or six in the morning.
She is determined to ensure that the quality of life of St Albans' residents is not damaged by the irresponsible Act.
Anne also voiced concerns that the police, who would be expected to deal with the fall out from these later licensed premises, would be vastly overstretched, and unable to deal with the increased workload.
Closing her speech Anne invited the Secretary of State to come to St Albans, to explain to concerned residents why she would not consider delaying the implementation of the Act until these, and many other issues can be addressed.
Anne said about the debate, 'I am honouring my election pledge to speak out with a strong voice about the concerns of St Albans residents.'"
