Basingstoke MP Maria Miller has expressed her support for the pledge made by Michael Mates, the Conservative candidate for Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner that he will review the late night drinking licences introduced by the Labour Government in 2003.

Maria recently met up with Chief Inspector Steven Wallace, the new Basingstoke police chief, and heard from him about the continuing problems of late-night drinking at bars and clubs at the Top of the Town. The 2003 Licensing Act was brought in by Labour with the promise of creating a “cafe culture”, but in reality it has produced far less positive results. Michael Mates has promised that, if elected to the Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner post, he would carry out research with police, local authorities, community groups and licence holders, to see if there is a general mood to reduce the licensing hours, and if so will lobby the Home Secretary to re-consider this legislation.

Maria said: “It is clear from talking to the police that dealing with the anti-social behaviour caused by late-night drinking takes up a great deal of valuable police time and resources.  I support the promise that Michael Mates has made that, if elected, he would look into the matter to see whether change is needed.”