Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to the Written Ministerial Statement of 4th March 2008, Official Report, columns 102-5WS, on tackling alcohol-related problems, when the further research into post-midnight drinking patterns and their impact on crime commenced; who is carrying it out; what the terms of reference for the research are; what the total cost of the research is; and when the results are expected to be published.
Answer
The latest national statistics on Alcohol, Entertainment, and Late Night Refreshment Licensing produced by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport were released on 30th October 2008, according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority. These include information about the number of premises with permission to trade for up to 24 hours. Further work on evaluating the impact of the sale of alcohol between 3am and 6am is being developed with the Home Office, but no decisions have yet been taken on who should carry it out and the terms of reference. It is therefore too soon to give an estimate of likely costs or an expected date for publication.