This chapter describes the genesis of the book, its theoretical and methodological framework and the social, political, and economic context in which it was written. In particular, it charts the hotly debated and contentious development of the Licensing Act 2003, the most important legislation in British alcohol policy for 40 years. The chapter shows how alcohol-related disorder became a staple of mass media attention in Britain, whilst central government continued in its struggle to bound public debate within the parameters of its light-touch ‘drinks industry-friendly’ intentions for the Act. A chronology of key events in the Act's development is provided and analysed with reference to the international research literature on nightlife-related crime and disorder.
Keywords: Licensing Act 2003, alcohol, disorder, violence, night-time economy, British government, drinks industry,