It had to happen sooner or later. We've been behind the rest of the civilised world for so long that it was just getting stupid.

England now has pubs that can, if they apply, be open all the time. Before everywhere was shut up and closed by 11pm, now it's a bit more sensible.

Having spent most of the year in Australia, staying out some nights till the early hours of the morning, being able to sit and watch football or The Ashes, spend time with friends, play pool and have a few pots of VB then to come back to England and not be able to do the same just felt very wrong.

The media's making a big thing of it though. There are arguments on either side, the trouble of excessive drinking, the sensible notion of not having everyone thrown out onto the streets at the same time, extra working hours for staff, the greater profits to be made.

Of course there will be trouble but more than usual? England has it's problems when alcohol is concerned but given a bit of time and once everyone has settled into the notion of 24 hour drinking I doubt that the problems will escalate.

The choice is now there.

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