Gillian Hunter

The 2003 Licensing Act's impact on crime and disorder An evaluation

The Licensing Act 2003, coming into force in November 2005 in England and Wales, abolished set licensing hours for pubs and clubs. The aim was to liberalize a rigid system while reducing the problems of drinking and disorder associated with a standard closing time. This article summarizes the results of an evaluation funded by the Home Office. Despite widespread concern that the legislation would lead to `24-hour drinking and an increase in associated problems, the experience of the first year shows very little change. The scale of change in licensing hours was variable but modest: while the majority of pubs extended their hours, most of these extensions were short. Thus the average national increase in opening hours was small. Alcohol consumption showed a slight fall. There was no obvious impact on violent crime and disorder, according to a range of measures, including crime statistics, victim surveys and medical statistics. These results are not particularly consistent with findings in other jurisdictions which have relaxed controls over opening hours of pubs and clubs.

Preparing for Employment: Prisoners' Experience of Participating in a Prison Training Programme

This article presents prisoners perspectives on participation in a prison employment project. Forty-four interviews were conducted with 28 offenders, in prison and post release, to explore motivations for taking part, views on training experience, expectations of how it might help employment prospects and the extent to which expectations were fulfilled. Perceived benefits included accruing a qualification and work experience, a fulfilling role relative to other employment opportunities in prison and increased self-confidence through project activities. However, problems of short-term funding for the project as well as potential for unrealistic expectations about employment chances were also noted.