Why do laws always have to be overhauled?

by Niall McCann

Why do laws always have to be overhauled? The new coalition government have stated that they wish to ‘overhaul the Licensing Act to give local authorities and the police much stronger powers to remove licences, or refuse to grant licences to, any premises that are causing problems’. Cue headlines about tackling ‘binge drinking’ Britain and the inaccurate use of the term ’24 hour licensing’. My problem with the statement is not that it is vague waffle (which it is) but that there are already numerous powers to tackle problem premises – reviews, criminal prosecutions, closure orders etc. Why do local residents and statutory authorities need stronger powers? Surely it is just a case of using those they have already? The trouble is that the new Government has to be seen to do something and nothing smacks of action like a good ‘overhaul’!