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Queen paves the way for 24 hour UK pubs
The Queen has unveiled long awaited plans to relax UK licensing laws and allow pubs to open 24-hours a day.
In her speech outlining the government's plans for the year at the State Opening of Parliament on 13 November, the Queen said: 'My government will bring forward legislation to streamline the licensing system for premises selling alcohol. This will abolish fixed opening hours and introduce a range of measures to reduce anti-social behaviour.'
Prime Minister Tony Blair said that fixed opening hours meant problems would occur at particular hours of the evening, so a move away from them would keep rowdy behaviour around bars to a minimum.
The government hopes the changes will encourage a 'more civilised' culture in pubs and give people more choice - as well as stimulating tourism.
While the move is widely supported, concern has been expressed by people living close to bars and restaurants, though the government has promised greater protection for local residents.
Many operators within the hospitality industry have also failed to support plans to move liquor licensing responsibility from magistrates to local authorities, saying it will cause extra costs and delays.
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