The recently-selected Conservative candidate for the Durham City seat for the forthcoming General Election has expressed opposition to plans to allow pubs to extend opening times.
Ben Rogers has written to the city's Labour MP, Gerry Steinberg, who stands down after four terms in office at the next election, urging him to oppose Government plans for longer licensing hours.
Mr Rogers said he was shocked on a recent visit to the constituency to have seen "noisy, semi-clad girls swaying about drunk" at 8.30pm on city centre streets.
The campaigning environmental journalist, who said he is "no killjoy" and enjoys a drink, believes the country is becoming plagued by the binge-drinking culture.
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