LONDON -- Pubs and other drinking establishments in England and Wales would be permitted to stay open 24 hours a day. New laws that went into effect Monday (Feb. 7th, 2005) allow for pubs, bars and clubs to obtain a license allowing extended hours starting in November 2005.

British authorities deny promoting 24 hour drinking, but rather are trying to avoid a drunken rush at last call (11 PM), after which the drunks exit to the streets all at the same time.

"We are not, and never have, promoted 24-hour drinking -- that is a myth," Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell said. "We are promoting flexible hours to reduce violence at last orders. This will put a long-needed end to the double madness of people gulping two or three rounds of drinks to beat last orders and then all being chucked out at the same time," she said.

"The vast majority of people should be treated like the adults they are. It is ridiculous that the government should deny the entire population the right to a drink after 11 p.m.," Jowell said.

Few pubs are expected to apply for the new licenses though ;)