England and Wales were bracing themselves yesterday for longer opening times in pubs, bars and clubs as the countdown began to "last orders" being called on its traditional 11pm closing time.
Scotland has traditionally had more relaxed licensing laws but in the first major shift in legislation since all-day opening on Sunday was allowed in 1995, drinkers will now get longer to enjoy their drinks south of the border.
The change -- which came into force from midnight last night, consigning to history the 11pm cut off introduced in World War I to curb drinking by munitions workers -- has been controversial.
Those pushing for change argue the impact will be negligible despite Britain's hard-drinking reputation, allowing more civilized, "continental" style socializing and less trouble through staggered closing times.
Opponents, however, believe it will lead to a rise in a drink-fuelled violence and anti-social behavior on the streets.
Medical bodies have meanwhile expressed concern about the impact on health, particularly on alcohol-related diseases. Accident and emergency doctors also fear increased pressure on their services.
Many of their concerns have been reflected in the British media.
But the argument in some quarters that the relaxation heralds "24-hour drinking" appears to be unfounded, according to research from the British Beer and Pub Association.
The group, which represents about 30,000 pubs around the country, said trying to find pubs that had successfully applied to be open round-the-clock was "like looking for a needle in a haystack."
"The changes are not as dramatic as has been suggested, with most pubs opting to open for a few extra hours a week," spokesman Neil Williams said.
Overall, only about a third of all licensed premises will extend their opening hours when the measures come into effect, a separate study of the 375 licensing authorities by the BBC suggested.
Some 60,326 outlets have been granted permission to sell alcohol for longer than they do now but 24-hour licenses have been given to just 359 pubs and clubs.
Taking into account other premises allowed to sell alcohol such as supermarkets, the number of 24-hour licenses rises to 1,121.
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