Youth hostels in the UK face opposition on plans to serve alcohol:
The Guardian reports:
Youth hostels are facing a new obstacle on their long hike from their walking-boots and knapsack stereotype to a more 24-hour party people appeal.
A wave of protests is greeting attempts to significantly increase the number of hostels licensed to serve alcohol day and night and at the same time prevent more hostel users from bringing their own.
A blanket application from the Youth Hostel Association for 24-hour licences in 77 hostels across England and Wales has sparked local opposition. The YHA says it wants to offer a better service, control drinking and bring in more money.
Licensing authorities are organising public hearings for objectors.
A spokesman said that as more hostels opened restaurants and cafes, people increasingly wanted drinks with meals. "We are not changing operations in our youth hostels at all. We don't intend to serve alcohol 24 hours a day." The YHA had made a blanket application because it was cheaper, he said. Nineteen licences had so far been approved, three after hearings.
The new applications promise that the serving of alcohol will finish at 11pm for all but residents. But Robert Chambers, a Conservative councillor in Saffron Walden, Essex, said: "It would take away from everything that youth hostels stand for."
Essex police have asked the YHA to amend its plans for the Saffron Walden hostel. The hearing will be next Tuesday.
Read the full article:
Concern at youth hostels' alcohol plan
