A weekday opening for pubs would be a better decision, says Kent PCC candidate

Commenting on the government's decision to reopen pubs on Saturday, Graham Colley, who has been selected to be the candidate for the Liberal Democrats in the Police and Crime Commissioner elections for Kent, said:

"One must question the wisdom of reopening pubs after such a long break on a Saturday, the day when people 'go to town' . It may be Independence Day, in America and a libertarian government may see this as restoring freedom, however, one person's freedom can be another person threat if self-control isn't exercised. Self-control and excess alcohol do not go together.

We must consider, not only the safety members of the public, but of our police who we will be asking to try to control matters. It is unfair to put them at risk for the sake of libertarian dogma.

It would have been far better to open pubs and a day which is not one where which is considered to be the day for "a night out". It should have also been accompanied by government information messages to discourage take advantage of "Independence Day". Such messaging would have prevented, or, at least, eased the scenes of crowding on beaches when there are many other places people can go for fresh air and to enjoy the sun."

The National Police Chiefs' Council's lead for alcohol licencing urged people to "remember that coronavirus is still a serious risk to health" and follow guidance. The key advice is to know your limits, plan your day and consider how you will get home safely. Anti-social and criminal behaviour is not acceptable and police continue to work with the night time economy to maximise safety and cut crime. The public have shown support for their key workers during lockdown - they can continue to give support by behaving sensibly now. "

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

Graham is a very active campaigner for the Lib Dems and enjoys a wide variety of outdoor activities and does a great deal of voluntary work in the community.

Graham is President of the Liberal Democrat Lawyers Association-/Rights-Liberties-Justice (Newsletter editor and former Chair).

• He studied Law at Aberystwyth and European Law at the College of Europe and has an MBA from City University Business School. Graham has recently completed a research degree in Banking Reform at the University of Kent.

• He has been a Legal Aid lawyer in Lambeth, Westminster and Chatham and now has a practice specialising in Wills and Inheritance issues.

• Graham has shown years of service to the Party in Kent fighting for Liberalism and the European ideal, fighting to help overcome the divisions in Society.