Moves to abolish England's archaic 11pm pub closing time have cleared their last hurdle in Parliament.The Commons has given the go-ahead to extend pub opening hours from early 2005.
The move is aimed at reducing binge-drinking in the dying minutes before closing time and cut alcohol-related violence.
The legislation now only needs the formality of the Queen's assent for pub closing times to change in England and Wales.
Pubs are currently required to shut at 11pm on Monday through to Saturday and at 10.30pm on Sundays.
The new law includes measures to tackle alcohol-related crime and disorder, including new police powers to close pubs without notice for up to 24 hours.
Opening hours and other conditions will be set locally, if necessary, taking in the views of residents and police.
Residents will be able to appeal to magistrates' courts about licensing decisions if their views have not been taken into account.
The legal age for drinking remains 18 but a new exception will allow 16 and 17-year-olds accompanied by an adult to consume some alcoholic drinks with a table meal.
The move is aimed at reducing binge-drinking in the dying minutes before closing time and cut alcohol-related violence.
The legislation now only needs the formality of the Queen's assent for pub closing times to change in England and Wales.
Pubs are currently required to shut at 11pm on Monday through to Saturday and at 10.30pm on Sundays.
The new law includes measures to tackle alcohol-related crime and disorder, including new police powers to close pubs without notice for up to 24 hours.
Opening hours and other conditions will be set locally, if necessary, taking in the views of residents and police.
Residents will be able to appeal to magistrates' courts about licensing decisions if their views have not been taken into account.
The legal age for drinking remains 18 but a new exception will allow 16 and 17-year-olds accompanied by an adult to consume some alcoholic drinks with a table meal.
uke: :toiletcla 
