Tories want curb on pub opening hours

The Conservatives plan to repeal "24-hour drinking" laws if they get into power and are against an advertising ban and minimum pricing.

Speaking at the Wine and Spirit Trade Association conference, shadow health minister Mike Penning said he believed 24-hour drinking laws were "fundamentally flawed".

He said: "I passionately believe we are committed to repealing 24-hour legislation.

"We will not support the advertising ban (on alcohol), we do not support minimum pricing and we do not support the 24-hour laws."

However, Penning did not outline what would replace the existing licensing regime.

Penning repeated Tory plans to cut duty on low-strength beers but increase it on high-strength ciders and lagers.

He also said he was in favour of tough new legislation against the proxy purchasing of alcohol for under-18s and greater education for both parents and children.

"We want to work with you for the good of the country and your business," he said. "We want to continue the great traditions of British pubs and clubs."

The news will make mixed reading for the pub trade after the heartache and cost of implementing the new licensing regime, which gives pubs choice and flexibility, in 2005.

Many licensees also believe that a minimum price would benefit pubs by forcing up the price of cheap supermarket alcohol.