Will binge-drinking crackdown work?

A CRACKDOWN on binge drinkers in Oldham town centre came under the spotlight this week.

Monday’s “Panorama” programme on BBC1 highlighted the efforts made by Oldham Council, Trading Standards and the police in trying to curb the drinking culture and quash its “Wild West’ reputation.

A rise in anti-social behaviour in the town centre brought about a review of 22 licensed premises.

As a result, new rules for town centre bars and pubs are being introduced.

Will that encourage Oldhamers to head back to the town centre for an evening out? Reporter BEATRIZ AYALA asked people in the Spindles Shopping Centre.
Amanda Calland (41), from Moorside, does not drink but used to go to the former club Butterflys in Union Street.



She said: “The town centre is quite frightening at night. The new measures are worth a try and they are quite good ideas.

“I might consider going back when the measures are introduced but I think the drinking culture is here whatever happens.”

Claire Flanagan (21), of Waterhead, who used to work in a bar, said: “When I go to town there is lots of fighting. You are thinking if anything is going to kick off or if your mates start a fight.

“I can’t see people queuing up for drinks, that will make the situation a lot worse.

“The new measures could stop people going out and then bars might shut down.”

Brenda Weeks (73) and her husband, John (76), from Hathershaw, regularly attend the Oldham Coliseum but not at the weekend because of fear surrounding town centre drinkers.

Mrs Weeks said: “The town centre reputation on a weekend is the reason why we stay away.

“It is quite frightening. The new measures will definitely help, they need to try something.”

Mr Weeks said: “The reputation keeps older people out of town. I might consider coming if the town centre was safer.”

Sylvia Warrington (66) lives in Lord Street, near Oldham Baths, and has experienced anti-social behaviour.

She said: “The revellers are normally drunk before they go out and their sole aim is to get drunk.

“I can’t imagine why anyone does not want to be in control of themselves.

“The measures seem sensible, I welcome anything that will help.”

Her husband, Stuart Warrington (69), said: “We definitely avoid the town centre, you are not safe, you’ve only got to look at someone wrong and they have a go.

“I used to be a teddy boy, I went round and got into fights but you never dreamed of stabbing anyone.

“You went out to dance, have a couple of pints and dance some more.”

Rodney Clarke (67), from Failsworth, said: “I don’t use the town centre, I go to my local pub.

“Any measures that reduce binge drinking are welcome and I think the majority of people will comply with them.

“Supermarket bargains need to be looked at as well, as a lot of people drink at home before they go out.”

Phil Leece (20), from Limeside, said he had mixed feelings about the measures.

He said: “The town centre is usually all right but it sometimes kicks off. Oldham has got a bit of a reputation for binge drinking.

“I don’t agree with the new queuing system and I don’t think people will have the patience to queue.

“If you go out, you want to get to the bar and get your drinks. You are going out to be sociable, have fun and dance the night away.

“But the two-drink limit is a good thing and would stop you from getting too drunk too soon, as well as stopping your drinks getting spiked.

“The measures might make the town centre safer but would mean less people coming out. They would go to other places.”

Billy Law (36), from Dobcross, said: “It’s a cultural thing, some cultures can drink all night and not be violent and some can’t.

“In Oldham, there is a large unhappy subculture. People are overindulging in alcohol because they havn’t got decent parental guidance.

“Maybe having more Police Community Support Officers would act as a deterrent.”