New licensing laws are changing the way punters drink

The new licensing laws are changing the drinking habits of pub-goers, as they increasingly opt to stay in their local boozer, according to new research.

To mark the anniversary of the new drinking laws (24 November) the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) released research on the drinking preferences of more than 2,000 English and Welsh consumers.

The YouGov poll found that since the changes were introduced, nearly a quarter (23%) of drinkers were now more likely to stay in their local pub, rather than travel into towns or city centres to continue drinking.

Among the 18- to 29-year-old group this figure was even higher, at 36%.

The BBPA research also found that one in five people (21%) now felt under less pressure to drink quickly and this was leading to a gradual shift towards a more Continental-style nightlife, with people going out later.

BBPA chief executive Rob Hayward said that although it was early days, people's drinking habits seemed to be changing for the better.

"Consumers don't seem to be drinking more, but they are increasingly favouring their local, reducing the pressure on town centres," Hayward said. "Younger drinkers are also going out later and taking more time to enjoy their drinks."

This survey's findings contrasted with the apocalyptic predictions of the doom-and-gloom merchants, he added, as the change in licensing laws had not unleashed a free
for all.

Last week licensing minister Shaun Woodward agreed the initial signs surrounding the new alcohol laws were promising. The latest research shows more than 200,000 premises have their licences and certificates in place so far, with less than 2% - about 3,000 premises - holding 24-hour licences. Roughly half of all premises close by midnight and 80% shut by 1am.