Evening Press leader

We live in a 21st century, 24-hour society yet our nights out are still governed by rules drawn up during the First World War.

Every night when pub landlords call "time", drinkers curse successive governments who have ducked the responsibility of wholesale licensing law reform.

Tonight they should toast New Labour. The party's modernising zeal is set to sweep away Britain's archaic alcohol restrictions. Jack Straw intends to introduce round-the-clock opening, and most will drink to that.

The tourism industry will certainly join pub-goers in raising a glass to the Home Secretary. Just as British drinkers only experience a leisurely evening out on holiday abroad, so foreign visitors to Britain are baffled by our insistence on imposing an enjoyment curfew. Longer opening hours will undoubtedly boost tourism.

Encouraging a continental-style approach to alcohol consumption should also reduce disorder and crime. The culture of binge drinking is peculiar to Britain and the law is partly to blame. Revellers are wont to drink very quickly as the 11.20pm deadline approaches. They are then thrown onto the streets en masse. Trouble is inevitable.

No wonder the police have long advocated reform of this kind. Removing closing time will foster a more mature approach to alcohol.

But today's White Paper is not just about ending the cycle of alcohol-related violence. It is about personal liberty. Individuals should have the freedom to decide when their evening is at an end.

Quite rightly Mr Straw is not advocating a licensing free-for-all. Pubs in residential areas will not be allowed to open all hours. But his reforms should prove a fillip for city centres, especially those like York which are attempting to bring in continental caf-bars alongside traditional pubs.

Indeed, licensing reform will be a challenge as well as an opportunity for older establishments. If restaurants can serve alcohol without food, that is bound to take away some custom from pubs. Some licensees may have to diversify to survive.

see also 'Pubs to open all hours'

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.