Act is changing pub habits says survey

Drinking habits are evolving due to licensing reform, with people more likely to stay longer in community pubs.

This is according to a survey of 2,095 people by YouGov for the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA)

to mark the anniversary

of the Licensing Act's implementation.

Nearly one in four (23%) are now more likely to stay in their local pub than venture into town centres. The figure for 18 to 29-year-olds is 36%.

The survey found that 85% believe reform has made no difference to how often they go out. But when they do, 71% tend to leave and return home at the same time.

One in seven (14%) of 18 to 24-year-olds now go out later and stay out later. The figure for 25 to 34-year-olds is 11%.

Overall, 36% of people said licensing reform had been a change for the better. Among regular pub-goers, the figure is 45% for men and 26% for women. In addition, 21% of people now feel under less pressure to drink quickly.

BBPA chief executive Rob Hayward said the survey revealed "changes in some underlying patterns of socialising and pub going that have started to evolve".

"People are feeling under less pressure to drink rapidly, staying local rather than rushing into town centres for a late-night drink and starting to go out a bit later in the evening," he said.

"The BBPA survey shows that in contrast to the apocalyptic predictions of the doom and gloom merchants, the change in our licensing laws has not unleashed a

lawless free for all."

Survey results

The survey also shows the range of reasons people go to the pub in the average week:

Drinking (68%)

Meet friends (66%)

Have an evening meal (40%)

Have lunch (27%)

Meet work colleagues (19%)

Live music (16%)

Having a soft drink (14%)

Compete in pub quizzes (13%)

varied closing times Across UK

New Government figures show evidence of a much more varied closing time one year on from the Licensing Act's introduction - 20% of pubs and clubs close by 11pm, 50% by midnight and 80% by 1am.

The figures also show that just 600 pubs and clubs have 24-hour licences.

This compares to about 750 supermarkets, 600

convenience stores and about 1,050 other venues including hotels. Overall, just 2% of licensed outlets have 24-hour licences.

Licensing minister

Shaun Woodward said: "It's early days, but there are encouraging signs that the new laws are working.

"Residents and others are triggering reviews of licences. The police are using the tougher closure powers. And responsible adults are enjoying greater choice and freedom in how they spend their leisure time.

"But it will take some time before we can draw a truly conclusive picture. In the meantime we'll continue to monitor the Act's impact."

Lacors calls for less red tape

Lacors (the Local Authority Coordinators of Regulatory Services) has called for "significant changes" to the Licensing Act guidance to cut the administrative burden for councils.

Lacors said the new

regime has benefited

communities and made

businesses more aware of their responsibilities and residents of their rights.

But the group called for simpler application forms and for the Department for Culture, Media & Sport to implement a "slip rule", which would allow councils to accept forms with minor errors.

Lacors also called for a central licensing database to give councils and police easier access to information about personal licences and temporary event notices.

Lacors chairman Geoffrey Theobald said: "There's still work to be done by the

Government to improve the law and help local authorities with the impacts that have come from the Act."

The redrafted Licensing Act guidance notes are due by the end of the year.