Fears over the rise of 24-hour drinking in the UK are over exagerated, new research indIcates
Amendments to licensing laws, due to be implemented later this year, will give pubs and bars the go ahead to open their doors at any time, day or night.
The change has raised concerns that people will drink more and for longer periods, leading to a rise in anti-social behaviour.
However, a survey by the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), reveals that none of its members plan to stay open around the clock.
Of the 30,500 pubs covered by the organisation, all will only look to extend opening hours on Friday and Saturday, and more than half of these intend to close their doors at 1am.
Many landlords said the main benefit of the looser licensing laws was to allow late diners more time to enjoy their meals, instead of having to rush to finish in time for last orders.
Neil Sullivan, of The Hermit in Winwick, said: "We're certainly not going for 24 hours. Our customers want an extra hour on Fridays and Saturdays.
"We have a very busy restaurant and at the weekend we have people coming in at 10pm to eat. It means they don't have to rush and can stay a bit longer. It also means we won't lose trade to the local town."
Alison Smith of Bar One Nine in Keynsham, added: "We are probably only looking to open up until midnight on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays. But this is a nice to have rather than a must have. People want to linger over a meal, not be rushed out of the door."
Speaking to Business Europe recently, one pub landlord said 24-hour opening was not commercially viable and that few bar tenders would be prepared to put in the extra hours without a substantial wage rise.
