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A comfortable night out? Alcohol, drunkenness and inclusive town centres
Author(s) -
Eldridge Adam,
Roberts Marion
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
area
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.958
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1475-4762
pISSN - 0004-0894
DOI - 10.1111/j.1475-4762.2008.00813.x
Subject(s) - binge drinking , alcohol consumption , consumption (sociology) , suicide prevention , sociology , poison control , media studies , gender studies , environmental health , medicine , social science , alcohol , biochemistry , chemistry
The Licensing Act (2003) was enacted in England and Wales against the backdrop of media concern about ‘binge Britain’ and violent town centres avoided by ‘social drinkers’. This paper responds to these concerns by asking how to create more inclusive urban centres at night. Findings from focus groups found it was not alcohol consumption or a reluctance to partake in urban life that was detracting residents. Using the notion of ‘comfort’, the paper instead reveals a strong desire for varied late‐night experiences ranging from quiet local venues, to active streets and live venues.