Opinion: Hot Issue - Will the new licensing laws reduce youthdrinking levels?

NO - James Purnell, minister for creative industries and tourism, Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Legislation alone will never be able to change how people behave, no matter what age they are. Young people agree: nearly 70 per cent of those who responded to a BBC online questionnaire believe that the new laws will not affect the amount of alcohol they consume.

But the laws will certainly help reduce binge drinking, which is associated with young people. For nearly a century, the Government has effectively created a national curfew with all pubs shut by 11pm. Drinkers have competed to empty their glasses before last orders, then get chucked out at the same time to fight for taxis and food. This will change with the new licensing laws: publicans can stay open longer if they satisfy police, residents and the council that they won't cause trouble. Drinkers can be fined on the spot or arrested if they misbehave. There is a simple logic to this new law. Adults - young adults included - should be trusted to make their own decisions about when and how they have a night out, but yobbish behaviour will be punished hard and swift.