The government has finally called time on Britain's licensing laws.

Fixed opening hours will be abolished to be replaced with changes to the powers local authorities have in determining what time individual pubs and clubs should close.

Ministers at the Department of Culture, Media and Sport will introduce laws to overhaul the regulations covering alcohol licensing laws - including measures to tackle under-age drinking.

It will be an offence to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 18 anywhere and the legal age for pub drinking will remain at 18.

Industry insiders have broadly welcomed the long delayed move, but with some reservations.

John McNamara, chief executive of the British Institute of Innkeeping, said: "Today's announcement is good news for our members provided checks and balances are put in place to protect licensees from excessive costs and ensure that the new system will benefit both consumers and businesses."

The power to grant alcohol licences will be transferred from magistrates to local authorities.

Eddie Gershon, a spokesman for the JD Wetherspoon pub chain, expressed concern about the change, saying: "We think it will be more bureaucratic, slow and we don't feel councils will make the case for pubs.''

The bill brings together six separate existing acts with the overall aim of "a significant expansion in the leisure and entertainment options available to the consumer".

People living near to pubs and bars will be offered a greater say in the current licensing process which is divided between local councils and magistrates.

Police will be given the power to close premises for 24 hours if there is disorder or noise nuisance.

The government believes its overhaul will reduce red tape and save nearly £2 billion during its first 10 years.

Ministers say the legislation will also boost tourism in Britain's towns and cities.

Mike Benner, of the Campaign for Real Ale, said that after many years of effort "we are absolutely delighted that citizens and visitors will now be given greater freedom as to where and when they can relax with a drink".

"These reforms will benefit us all by ending the chaos that results in thousands of people being ejected on to our city centre streets at the same time and, in the longer term, by encouraging the development of a more responsible drinking culture," he added.