Concern over 24-hour drinking unfounded, says BBPA

Pubs and bars have rejected claims that next month's reform of the licensing laws will lead to an explosion of binge drinking and loutish behaviour on the streets.

The Daily Mail newspaper launched a campaign yesterday to oppose the act, which became law in July last year.

The legislation also faces opposition from some police chiefs, who are worried that longer opening hours will lead to more public disorder. While some doctors have expressed concern about the effects on the nation's health.

Opposition parties and some Labour MPs have called for the legislation to be delayed amid fears that drink-fuelled violence could run out of control.

But the British Beer and Pub Association has described the notion of a 24-hour drinking culture as a myth.

It said that while the law would technically allow pubs and bars to open all day and night, none of its members were planning to go down that route.

"It is all a fantasy. It is not what the licensing act is about. None of our members are planning to open for 24 hours or planning to apply for 24-hour licenses," said an association spokesman.

She argued that the legislation was much more likely to lead to a limited extension of opening hours, giving those who had been out for a meal or to a film the option of a drink without having to go to a nightclub.

Yates, Mitchells & Butler and JD Wetherspoon have all said that while many outlets may apply for extensions, 24-hour drinking is unlikely to catch on.

They argued that there was little appetite among landlords for all-day and all-night opening while the extra security costs would make it prohibitive anyway.

by Nic Paton

Buy this week's Caterer magazine for more industry news and analysis