Plans to overhaul the licensing laws in England and Wales should reduce anti-social behaviour and boost tourism, the Home Office has been told.

The government confirmed on Wednesday that it will now work on the drafting of a Licensing Bill to implement the plans it set out in the white paper previously published on April 10.

Home office minister Mike O'Brien welcomed the responses, saying the plan would "provide savings and new opportunities for business, give consumers greater choice, while providing greater safeguards for local residents."

Following consultations, the only major change to the white paper's proposals are to arrangements for appeals against licensing decisions, which will now be heard by local magistrates courts rather than at a Crown Court.

The main elements of the new licensing system will include flexible opening hours allowing pubs and clubs to stay open all day, though consideration would have to be given to the impact on local residents, and permission to sell or supply alcohol would be granted by local authorities, instead of magistrates.

An integrated scheme for licensing premises which sell alcohol, provide public entertainment or provide refreshment at night and a system of personal licences allowing holders to sell or serve alcohol will also be introduced.

Increased access for children to licensed premises will also be promoted to encourage more family-friendly pubs, though licensing authorities will be able to restrict access for children to unsuitable premises.

Mike O'Brien said the reforms should give the tourism industry a boost by allowing businesses more flexibility in catering for the tourist market and will give visitors to this country the same sort of service that they get at home.

"Eventually we would hope to encourage the more sensible drinking culture seen in some other European countries. The current ritual of late night drinkers pouring onto the streets at closing time, with its subsequent crime and disorder problems, has been an unwelcome tradition for far too long in our towns and cities," said O'Brien.

Attacking the announcement as more Labour spin, Oliver Heald, shadow home office minister, said: "This is a cynical pre-election stunt from Labour, who have failed to deliver what they promised. Last year we were told that these changes would be in place by this summer, but the promised Licensing Bill was dropped from the Queen's Speech."

Heald added that the Conservatives support reform, but not the removal of licensing powers from magistrates, "the experts in the field".

Alcohol Concern said that a relaxation of the licensing laws could be a recipe for violence and disorder unless there are new guidelines which include consideration of the health and social consequences of longer drinking hours.

Alcohol Concern director Eric Appleby said a balance needed to be struck those who want extra time to drink and the majority who want a peaceful life

"It would perhaps have been helpful if the government's long-awaited proposals for a National Alcohol Strategy had accompanied this announcement - as this would have sent a message that they were also concerned about the dangers of encouraging people to drink more than might be good for them," said Appleby.

The Local Government Association welcomed the proposals as an enhancement of entertainment opportunities.

Councillor Jane Chevis, chair of the LGA's Public Protection Executive said, "Although the draft bill will be very complicated, we are determined that the potential contained in the white paper for the modernisation of the licensed industry in the UK will be realised when the bill finally becomes law. "

Approximately 78,000 pubs and bars, 25,000 restaurants, nearly 4,000 night-clubs and discotheques, 23,000 registered clubs, and 45,000 shops, stores and supermarkets would be affected by the proposals.

Commenting on the plans, the Transport and General Workers' Union, which represents bar staff, said proper protection for bar staff's working conditions and safe travel to and from work must be included in any plans.

Brian Revell, a TGWU national organiser, said the union did not oppose 24-hour opening "but is very clear that the rights of bar staff must be fully taken into account."