Licensing minister Shaun Woodward has announced that the new licensing laws introduced in England and Wales 12 months ago are having a positive impact.

A survey of licensing authorities carried out by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) suggests that only 2 per cent of more than 200,000 licensed premises now hold 24-hour licences.

There is no evidence that premises are moving to a new standard closing time, with around one fifth still closing by 11pm, 50 per cent by midnight and four fifths by 1am.

In addition, around one sixth of completed licence reviews have been revoked owing to new powers put in place to safeguard the local community from alcohol-related issues.

Woodward said: “It’s early days, but there are encouraging signs that the new laws are working. Residents are triggering reviews of licences, the police are using the tougher closure powers and responsible adults are enjoying greater freedom in their leisure time.

“There hasn’t been the explosion in 24-hour venues which some predicted and there appears to be a genuine spread of closing times – bringing an end to everyone being thrown out onto the street at the same time, contributing to crime and disorder.”

The survey was sent to all licensing authorities in England and Wales, of which 28 per cent responded. Details: www.culture.gov.uk