'This is nonsense': Keir Starmer shuts down claims pubs will be forced to close early to tackle harmful drinking
by Emma Soteriou · LBCExclusive
By Emma Soteriou
Keir Starmer has shut down rumours that pubs will be forced to close early to tackle harmful drinking.
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Speaking to LBC's Nick Ferrari at Breakfast, the PM said the claims were "nonsense".
It comes after public health minister Andrew Gwynne told a Labour Party fringe event that the government was considering "tightening up the hours of operation" of bars and pubs.
The move was suggested in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour and boost health.
But Sir Keir told Nick: "This is not government policy. We are not going to do it."
He added: "Closing time is not going to change. I can give you that guarantee."
Nick Ferrari is joined by Sir Keir Starmer | Watch the full interview
Speaking at the conference on Monday, Mr Gwynne originally said: "These are discussions that we have got to have – even if it’s just about tightening up on some of the hours of operation; particularly where there are concerns that people are drinking too much."
He went on to say: "Alcohol harm is one of the key areas: the availability of alcohol, the harms that over-drinking does, domestic violence, the licensing laws..."
"Actually there is a big win for the Home Office because a lot of domestic violence they have to deal with is as a direct consequence of alcohol," Mr Gwynne added.
Pat McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, denied the claims on Tuesday, telling Nick: "I don't think there's any plan to shut the pubs early. The pub is a great part of British life.
"I don't have a drink during conference, partly so I can look forward to having a nice one when the conference is over and I hope that the pub will be open when I go in."
Responding to the original report, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesman also said: "It is categorically untrue that the government is considering changing alcohol licensing hours."