The number of areas blighted by alcohol-fuelled problems has risen by 200 per cent in just over a decade, Home Office figures reveal.
Despite opposition from police and ambulance staff, Tony Blair’s Government relaxed drinking laws to offer round-the-clock drinking hours in 2005.
There are now 222 areas affected by problem drinking, up from 71 in March 2007.
Crime and disorder
The 222 Cumulative Impact Areas (CIAs) are characterised by higher rates of crime and disorder, greater public safety risk, public nuisance and danger to children.
Places with the most CIAs include the London boroughs of Newham and Islington, Newcastle upon Tyne, Liverpool and Leeds.
The figures also revealed that there were 8,100 premises with 24-hour alcohol licences in 2018, a six per cent increase from 2017.
Rowdy
Dr David Green, of the Civitas think-tank, said: “Late-night drinking has not been without harmful consequences, and it has not led to the development of a tranquil night-time culture.
“It has led to an increase in rowdyism at a time when police are under strain”.