A LICENSE FOR NUISANCE AND VIOLENCE

STEPHEN Hammond is continuing his campaign to ensure that Wimbledon Town Centre does not become a 24 hour drinking zone causing nuisance to local residents and an increase in violence.

Stephen fears that increasing violence and disorder is inevitable following the introduction of the government’s new legislation, which came into force last November.

His concerns are shared by the Police and Judges. A recent report from the Council of Circuit Court Judges stated, “that an escalation of offences… will inevitably be caused by the relaxation of liquor licensing”.

Stephen said, “We all want to enjoy ourselves. But this should not be at the expense of local residents. In Wimbledon lots of people arrive to socialise in the town by public transport but there is often no public transport to take them home after midnight. The residential areas of South Park Gardens, Trinity and Dundonald wards are one street off the high street. These local people have the right to an undisturbed night and not to have their gardens used as urinals. I am also worried at the extra pressure that could be placed on local emergency health services”.

“Just before Christmas I spent a night with Wimbledon Police. I totally support Supt Ovens and his teams. Their ‘zero tolerance’ policy is to be applauded”.

Stephen’s concerns and the warning by the Circuit Court Judges is particularly disturbing after latest police figures showed that violent offences in England and Wales reached record levels in 2004-05. There was an increase of 1 million crimes of violence in comparison to the year previously.

Stephen Hammond wants:

• Closing time agreed to midnight during the week and no later than 1am on Fridays and Saturdays;
• No more extensions to licenses in the Town Centre;
• Those who are making profits out of the increased hours to make a greater contribution to local policing and clean up costs;
• A tough ‘Pubwatch’ scheme.

Stephen says, “I will be campaigning to make sure that Wimbledon local residents can lead safe and undisturbed lives. Wimbledon welcomes people who can relax and socialise responsibly but we will not allow our town to become a haven for 24-hour binge drinkers”.

Late Licence Drinking - How to Contact Us

• Write to Late Licencing c/o House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA
• Telephone the hotline on 020 8944 2905
• or email us