Thousands of pubs expected to apply for 24-hour opening

More than 3,500 pubs, bars and clubs are expected to apply to open around the clock next summer in the biggest shake-up of drinking laws since the First World War.

Unveiling details of the Licensing Bill, ministers denied the liberalisation would create extra rowdiness or increase alcohol-related health problems. Tessa Jowell, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, predicted that about 2 per cent of the 180,000 licensed premises would ask for 24-hour licences. Bars and nightspots in big cities and holiday resorts, such as Brighton and Blackpool, are likely to make up most applicants.

The Bill will usher in flexible opening hours and switch responsibility for issuing licences from magistrates to town halls. The licensing system will be streamlined and the police given extra powers to shut bars plagued by trouble.

Launching the Bill in a Westminster pub yesterday, Ms Jowell said it would lead to a more civilised and responsible attitude in pubs, adding that most people did not drink to excess. "They deserve to finally be treated like grown-ups. If they want to go for a drink after watching a film or a show at 11pm, they should have that option," she said.

Mark Hastings, a spokesman for the British Beer and Pub Association, said: "Far more pubs will open longer, but very few will open for 24 hours every day. They want the option of opening later on Friday and Saturday nights." Ms Jowell said the moves would lead to savings of £2bn in red tape for the industry and boost tourism.

Kim Howells, a Culture minister, admitted there could be problems with transport or street-cleaning services meeting the demands of late-night opening. He said: "We are talking with other government departments about this. If we are going to have a 24-hour culture, it will affect all parts of government, not just licensing."

Ministers are braced for a battle over key aspects of the Bill. Several MPs, led by the former health secretary Frank Dobson, have complained that the liberalisation could lead to high streets being overrun by nightspots.

Changes to the rules for entertainment licences have been condemned by the Musicians' Union as placing fresh restrictions on live music.

The Bar Entertainment and Dance Association, which represents nightclubs, said the Bill did not set occupancy limits. John Heyes, its chairman, said: "The Government claims that they want to clamp down on antisocial behaviour, but they are promoting legislation that permits the sale of alcohol in overcrowded venues."