Pubs could stay open into early hours in bid to boost economy

into the evening, or the early hours, will inevitably mean more victims of crime, including domestic violence, more antisocial behaviour and disturbance, more police time dealing with drink-fuelled incidents and both ambulance and A&E staff having to deal with even more people who have come to harm as a result of alcohol.

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The plans centre on major reforms of the Licensing Act 2003, under which councils grant licences to what at the last count was 224,000 pubs, clubs, restaurants and supermarkets to sell alcohol within set hours. Council licensing committees of elected councillors base decisions on four “licensing objectives”: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance and protecting children from harm.

But the government-appointed taskforce behind the plan has suggested the creation of a new fifth objective promoting economic growth - which councils would have to consider when deciding on applications for new premises or longer opening hours. That has sparked claims the government has become too close to the alcohol industry.