- The number of new pubs, clubs, bars and takeaways in Wakefield could be limited in a move to improve safety at night. The proposals target crime, disorder and public nuisance. Wakefield Council has drawn up the strategy to meet its objectives under the Licensing Act 2003 and has asked everyone involved for their views. The Cumulative Impact Policy proposes additional controls on licensing applications for new licensed premises in an area of the city centre bordered by Marsh Way, Kirkgate, Ings Road, Back Lane, Cliff Parade and Rishworth Street. The strategy states that there will be a presumption that applications for new drinking venues in the area will be turned down – but this can be challenged. Olivia Rowley, the council's cabinet member for community safety and cohesion, said: "We want to reduce the dominance of pubs, bars and nightclubs in the city centre and provide a wider range of entertainment in the area. The future expansion of the night-time economy should be consistent with the ambitions of the council and its partners for regeneration and should actively promote a city centre that is a safe and pleasant place to be for everyone." Yorkshire Post Current Wakefild licensing policy Proposed Cumulative Impact Policy
- London's professional classes are now drinking so much that Alcoholics Anonymous has to hold 22 meetings a week across the City and Canary Wharf. Increased problem drinking by bankers, lawyers and accountants has been blamed on the pressures of the boom in mergers and acquisitions. Merger and acquisition dealings around the world have reached £1.26bn so far this year, which is believed to be the highest figure on record for any equivalent period. Dr Mike McPhillips, a psychiatrist specialising in addiction, told the Financial Times that the Priory hospital in London now sees 'a large number of clients in the City and we are seeing younger people with this problem'. He added: 'The City has a culture that encourages excessive use of alcohol. The evidence suggests that the more money about, the more alcohol about.' Observer
- Some of the UK's top corporate law firms are fostering "an undertone of homophobia", according to a report by the Law Society. Big City law firms are still encouraging a culture of heavy drinking and visits to strip bars, which could drive away gay men and discourage women from joining them, research by the Law Society found. The "constant trips to Spearmint Rhino, rugby matches and drinking sessions" meant many were afraid to come out as they thought it would hinder their career. Personel Today, Law Society report Career Exepriences of Gay and Lesbian Solicitors
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