At least 2,690 people were treated at University College Hospital in Central London and the Whittington hospital in Islington in 2007-2008. This is up from 998 admissions four years ago. UCH showed a bigger increase because of the greater number of bars, pubs and clubs in central London. Researchers feared the rise was a result of the change to licensing laws. The Government allowed pubs to apply for 24-hour licences three years ago, saying it would cut drink-related violence. The researchers told the annual meeting of the Royal College of Psychiatrists today: "A three-fold increase in the total number of adult admissions is noted at one hospital which, if repeated at other centres, would have significant ramifications on NHS resources."