'Bars and pubs will help to pay for extra police'

Confusion reigned over the Government's policy on 24-hour drinking today when Home Secretary Charles Clarke insisted bars pay a levy for extra police.

His comments appeared to overrule Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell, who said at the weekend that any levy should be voluntary.

In an interview with The Times, Mr Clarke said licensed premises had a responsibility for the effects of binge drinking. "The fact is that there is a multibillion-pound industry where there are social effects of what they do." The Government believes staggered closing hours will reduce yobbish behaviour, but critics remain sceptical.