THE idea of 24-hour opening for pubs sends people panicking, as though this heralded the end of civilisation as we know it.

But the reality of such radical reform, which could figure in a Government shake-up of licensing laws, is usually quite different. After all, laid-back licensing abroad has not yet led to hordes of crazed and drunken Continentals invading across the Channel.

Apart from the opinion - already vocalised by many out-of-town publicans that most regulars are quite happy to call time on their drinking at midnight - there are distinct benefits to longer hours.

Although the opinions of local businesses and the police in particular will also have to figure strongly here, Tony Longmire of the Bolton Town Centre Licensees' Alliance makes eminent good sense with his views.

He says 24-hour licensing would "end the culture of clock-watching" which results in people buying large amounts of drinks before "last orders" are called.

There would be no reason for large gangs of drinkers to be congregating around 11pm. And, of course, pubs and clubs would employ more people, and more money would circulate.

The biggest plus all-round would be freedom of choice as to when and where we all enjoy a tipple. In fact, we might all become much more relaxed about our leisure-time as a result. And we'll certainly drink to that.

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