"I don't cur what you think you 'aired 'im sing (slap), yer soft bastard (punch)! It's not 'Baird On The Wire' (punch); it's 'Baird On A Wire' - the indefinite (kick) fucken (stamp) article!"

anyone in this country should have to endure a night out without alcohol.

i witnessed a punch-up at a kid creole and the coconuts gig, in a jazz club, between two tables, fighting over some seating... who were all drunk to the gills.
i only went to the gig because i'd bought tickets for the blue nile, who'd pulled out at the last minute and were replaced by the kid....
someone "accidentally" stubbed a cigarette out on my hand later, because we were in their view, and then the fire alarm went off, and everyone got kicked out into the street...

i gave up and went home.

this would never have happened at a blue nile concert.

regular beer drenchings from half filled plastic cups launched across the crowd by neanderthal Oasis "fans" at Wembley Stadium I might go along with this. Can we not just insist on proof of I.Q. as well as age? I'm sure that would solve the problem.

I'm afraid its yet another example of the nanny state mentality of these champagne socialist nitwits who currently run our country, where the default position is to pass laws that penalise the majority in order to control a problem created by a minority - ie idiots who can't hold their booze and can't enjoy anything (sport, music) without being a pain in the ass to the rest of us.

I've been to some seriously boozed up gigs (Oasis this year). Sometimes I've needed a drink to get through the gig (Marillion last year). Other times I've being smashed out of my box as part of the whole day out (Primal Scream Brixton 2006, The Who Hyde Park 2006). Other times I've got a bit merry and boisterous, singing along, that sort of thing (almost every other gig I've been to for 25 years). But I've never hassled anyone or started any bother.

Unfortunately, not everyone can control themselves. But prohibition at rock gigs is not the answer. We need to tell that to these social do gooders who cluck and fuss and interfere in people's lives.

I have never hassled anyone. I am what is known as a happy drunk even if I have a few too many. Don't bother coming to a Motorhead gig pal. Obviously it would be too much for your delicate disposition. My point is that banning alcohol is an excessive measure. People getting sensible about their drinking is the solution along with sensible security arrangements. But the state shouldn't impose draconian regulations on human behaviour. The country has had enough of that.

By the way, in answer to fortuneright above. I wouldnt wipe my arse on the Daily Mail.

Deuchers before Laughing Lens' Edinburgh gig. I could rarely be bothered to queue for beer at any gig costing more than around 25 notes. That's because it takes ages to get served. the best gigs I've attended have usually involved alcohol. The more rock and roll the better in my book.

Just returned from a guided tour of said Arena too. Never touched a drop o'drink either. Can't imagine much call for hospitality boxes if alcohol is not allowed. Non-starter but a point well made.

Sure there is something in the licensing law about controlling the sale of alcohol to those who have had too much so it is the responsibility of the venue. Can't see a council-owned venue being prosecuted by a council for not sticking to such laws though...

has banned the consumption of alcohol at all his gigs these days. He gets the bar shut to make sure.

As Music fans we have to put up with:
Random booking fees
Being body searched by rude and belligerent security staff (you know like they do at Glyndebourne)
Put up with dreadful stinking toilets and shabby ill maintained venues.
Hang around while the "talent" deign to wander on 10 minutes before the last train.
And then we have listen to "New" songs
All this without a drink!