Extended drinking 'could be repeated'

Clubbers could enjoy 36-hour alcohol licence every new year

Extended drinking hours are likely to become a regular feature of New Year's Eve if this year's 36-hour marathon is deemed a success.

Licensing Minister Dr Kim Howells said he was waiting to hear from police and landlords but if the feedback was good, a similar extension would be considered for future years.

Pubs and bars in England and Wales were allowed to open from 11am on New Year's Eve to 11pm the following day.

Most landlords chose not to stay open for the whole 36 hours, but used the new measures to stagger their closing time.

Kim Howells: Wants to see evidence

Some reported that it eased problems on transport and limited the risk of violence.

Dr Howells said he was waiting for the results of a review by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

"What we can't do is second guess the evidence, it's important to get a true picture of how the new law worked," he said.

"When we have fully analysed the information, we will decide whether or not to consult publicly on a regulatory reform proposal to change licensing hours permanently at all future New Year's Eves."

There was no more trouble than other years

Rob Hayward
British Pub and Beer Association

Tony Payne, chief executive of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations, said the experiment had proved a success.

"It went very, very well," he said. "It meant everyone wasn't spilling out onto the streets at the same time so the transport system worked a lot better."

Rob Hayward, chief executive of the British Pub and Beer Association, said initial feedback to him indicated the same.

"We spoke to a few police forces and it appears it was a success.

'Worrying trend'

"The general consensus was that there was no more trouble than other years," he said.

But not everyone labelled the night a success.

The Welsh Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs called it "a worrying trend".

Pressure group director Iestyn Davies told BBC News Online: "The government is listening to the leisure industry rather than looking at the way alcohol impacts on the health of the nation.

"Commercial reasons are taking precedence over health.

"Champagne socialists are not as touched by alcohol abuse as those in low-income families."