A hospitality training company has lashed out at critics of the new licensing laws in England and Wales, saying its positive aspects are being ignored.

David Hawbrook, managing director of abv Training, expressed astonishment at the claim the change to 24-hour licensing will create a nation of binge drinking criminals.

“[As] this is the first time there has been a nationwide training enforcement, it is an opportunity for every licence holder to be made aware of their responsibilities, both legally and socially,” he said.

He added that the new laws better equipped the police to deal with the minority of people that gave the industry a bad name.

"I am confident that the changes in the licensing laws will have a positive affect on the industry and our culture.”

The Department for Culture Media & Sport, which is overseeing the transition to the new regime, maintains that binge drinking is a symptom of the present antiquated system and therefore makes the case for the reform.

By Kerstin Kuhn

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