Yawn. No, no, I’m not yawning because I was out on the razz last night (ahem) it’s because I’ve just read another story about the Government clamping down on drinks offers in an attempt to stop binge drinking. You’re yawning too now, aren’t you? Yup, I’m sick of hearing about it. See my past blogs (Happy Hour Ban, Happy Hour Ban Avoided and Smaller Glasses of Wine at London Bars) and you’ll get the picture.

Already hard hit London bars and pubs are to have extra licensing conditions imposed upon them that, should they not be adhered to, will lead to their being shut down. Oh good, more pubs and bars closing. Ideal.

That said, some of the restrictions are barmy. They’re going to ban all you can drink deals and ‘dentist chairs’ (now think back to your uni days and watching the rugby team laying back and having drink poured down their throats and you’ll get the picture). Now, is it just me or are these crazy alcohol fuelled events rather rare in our fair capital? My local pub doesn’t encourage dentist chairs, I don’t know about you? It sounds a little like the Government want to be SEEN to be doing something to curb binge drinking without actually doing anything. Personally, I know that Leicester Square bars and West End bars will always pull in a certain level of binge drinkers and I don’t think such bans will make a huge amount of difference. However, I am really relieved that Happy Hours at London Bars will remain untouched. No, happy hours aren’t included on the crackdown.

Apparently, low-alcohol lagers and beers are the next big thing. Hmm, not much of a trend, is it? I fully support responsible drinking and never get off my trolley (whatever the Facebook pics show to the contrary!) but I do feel bad for already hard hit bars. It was only a week ago that I brought you news of burlesque clubs and bars having new laws whacked on them meaning they need the same licence as lapdancing clubs (see Should Burlesque Clubs be Licensed?). Mental.

Whilst MPs are claiming on expenses London’s nightlife industry is suffering. Only time will tell what more restrictions will bring, although if they’re sensible they shouldn’t make too much of a dent.

Good luck, guys.