Now, this is a subject that I'm constantly shouting at Jeremy Vine about...ok, he can't hear me, cos I've not actually phoned him...but...
What is binge drinking? Well, by definition, it's the drinking of a large amount of alcohol in a short space of time. So, by that definition, the current ridiculous licensing laws encourage binge drinking - people, on a Friday night, getting home from work, eating tea, showering, whatever...hit the pubs at 9PM, have til 11 for last orders, neck 5, 6, 7, 8 pints, drunk, violent, fall over, etc etc.
Is it a coincidence that we, the UK, with our draconic licensing laws are the worst offenders in western Europe for binge drinking? No, I think not. I have lived, worked, drunk in, been drunk in many countries across the world, including seeing the sun set and then rise again from the same seat in the same bar!
My prediction is this - the current generation of 'yoofs' will continue to drink too fast, cos it's what they know, but they'll drink for longer, so there will be an increase in anti-social behaviour. Now, hopefully, this won't put the government off the idea and we retain the more liberal rules...the next generation will be used to the longer drinking hours - they'll take their time drinking their pints. There'll be 'shifts' of drinkers, those starting earlier, drinking their fill and going home as the next shift comes on. People will start going to restaurants later, knowing the pub'll be open after they've finished their meal...
In short, we'll join the 20th century, like the rest of Europe did when it WAS the 20th century.
My tuppence worth.