TONIGHT at 11pm, publicans across Britain will ring out the old and ring in the new.

The toll of a thousand bar bells will signal last orders for an old way of life.

For the best part of a century, that clanging sound signalled the abrupt end of an English night out. It was a very uncivilised way to go on.

The Government boldly decided to reform the system from top to bottom. It introduced 24-hour licensing. From tomorrow the party will never end.

But will we ever recover from the hangover?

Since drawing up the legislation, binge drinking and alcohol-fuelled violence has soared. Many predicted the new law will create more mayhem and misery.

In principle, however, the reforms are right.

No longer will the law-abiding majority be penalised because of the drunken antics of a minority.

There are very clear risks of course. So the success of this experiment lies in the hands of the police, licensees and the Government.

North Yorkshire Police are absolutely right to take a tough stance from the start.

By immediately applying new powers to punish disorder, they will send a message that this is no free-for-all.

Licensees must face up to their responsibilities.

That means not serving drunks or anyone who might be underage, and working with the police to curb trouble.

Ministers, having given the drinks industry a licence to print more money, now have an obligation to bear down on the trade's excesses.

If they fail, and binge drinking worsens, voters might well call time on the Government.

Updated: 10:28 Wednesday, November 23, 2005