Blair defiant on 24 hour drinking

Labour targeted young voters

Tony Blair has defended new pub hours after Labour was accused of encouraging young people to binge drink.

Tory Charles Hendry asked Mr Blair if he was "proud" of text messaging young voters before the 2001 election pledging to scrap closing time.

But Mr Blair told MPs at question time flexible pub hours would not lead to an explosion in drink-related violence.

And, he added, police will have new powers to shut down rowdy pubs and deal with anti-social behaviour.

Anti-social behaviour

Mr Hendry said: "Labour sent a text message to young people which said 'couldn't give a 'four x' for last orders? Vote Labour on Thursday for extra time'

"With increasing concerns about binge drinking, alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour, is he proud of that campaign?"

Couldn't give a XXXX for last orders? Vote Labour on Thursday for extra time 2001 Labour text message

For the second week running at prime minister's questions, Mr Blair mounted a robust defence of the law, which comes into force on 7 February (although pubs are not expected to open round-the-clock until the autumn).

"The fact is it will introduce more flexible licensing. The number of pubs or clubs that will apply for 24 hour licensing is actually very small, but there will be greater flexibility.

"The important point, however, is this, in addition there will be greater powers for police and local residents to object to licenses, to make sure those that are causing the trouble, the minority, are actually shut down.

"There are greater powers under the anti-social behaviour legislation to deal with those who are drunken and disorderly and causing trouble," Mr Blair said.

Concern

He added: "In my view, the pleasure of the 95% who play by the rules and abide by the law should not be affected by the small minority that misbehave under these laws and would misbehave under any laws.

"The task there, surely, is to deal with them specifically, and deal with the pubs and clubs that are allowing them to do it."

He accused the Tories of opportunism, claiming they supported the changes until recently.

The licensing changes have sparked concern among some MPs, councils and some senior police officers who fear they could make drink-related problems worse.