Police groups have welcomed plans to include a bill allowing 24-hour pub opening in the next Queen's speech.

The move follows the omission of the bill from the speech at the opening of the parliament, despite it being a Labour Party pledge at the general election.

The measure has received support as a means of reducing disorder and bringing to an end a perceived "binge drinking culture".

A spokesman for the Association of Chief Police Officers said: "We support the removal of the rigid permitted hours which are so clearly linked to peaks of crime and disorder."

The British Beer and Pub Association also welcomed the news.

"If the department of culture, media and sport has secured a place in the Queen's speech then I'm sure that landlords will be raising a glass to [minister] Kim Howells and his collegues," a spokesman said.

Liberal democrat culture spokesman Nick Harvey called for Britain's licensing laws to be "confined to the dustbin of history."

"Labour promised reform of drinking laws to young voters in a massive text message campaign just before the General Election. The Government will only get one chance to keep their promise, let's hope they don't do it half-heartedly," he said.