Not so happy hour

You could soon be crying into your beer, wine or cocktails when the new Licensing Act 2003 begins next year.

Yes, the Happy Hour could soon be over as councils take over control of granting licenses to serve alcohol.

Why is the innocent happy hour being targeted? There are growing concerns among the brewing industry and health organisations that happy hours increase binge drinking.

Any publicans using what is considered to be an irresponsible promotion will face closure.

New research by the Institute of Alcohol Studies shows that binge drinking has become the normal mode of drinking for men and women aged between 18 and 24-years-old.

It has been estimated that the NHS currently spends up to £3 billion a year dealing with alcohol-related illnesses.