Thousands of pubs and clubs across the UK have introduced extended opening hours as a result of the new licensing regulations coming into force on 24 November.

According to government figures, around 70,000 licensed premises have taken the opportunity to keep their doors open for longer.

It is believed that around 1,000 premises – including 250 supermarkets – have applied for 24-hour licences but do not intend to exercise the right every day.

Culture secretary Tessa Jowell said: “The new licensing regime is not about encouraging 24-hour drinking among Britons. Indications are that one half of 1 per cent of licensees have applied for a 24-hour licence and many of them do not intend to use it regularly.”

The new law came to force on the same day as the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) released the results of a MORI poll it had commissioned on the public’s perception of the new laws.

According to the report, 74 per cent of the public agreed that by working together, pubs, local communities and the police can create a positive night-time economy while 87 per cent of respondents believe that the pub is a part of Britain’s cultural identity.

BII’s chief executive John McNamara said: “It is heartening to see that regardless of the deluge of horror stories about late night disorder, there is support for multi-agency working to improve the night-time environment for all to enjoy.”

Despite the extended hours, most pub chains are not relying the new legislation to improve financial results.

Ted Tuppen, chief executive of UK’s largest pub chain, Enterprise Inns, said: “We do not anticipate an increase in turnover or profits arising from the additional hours, simply a greater flexibility to allow licensees better to serve the needs of their customers.”