Reforms of licensing laws, which could see pubs open 24 hours a day, have been welcomed by senior police officers.

The Government is to press ahead with the updating of the laws to encourage "more sensible drinking".

The Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) said the new laws would reduce binge drinking and disorder in towns and city centers.

But the reforms were described by anti-drinking campaigners as a "recipe for violence and disorder".

Home Office Minister Mike O'Brien said that following a successful consultation exercise, the Government would develop plans for flexible drinking times, with the potential for round-the-clock opening hours, subject to considerations about the impact on local residents.

The reforms will also transfer the licensing role from magistrates to local authorities and make pubs more child and family-friendly.

Mr O'Brien said the proposal, affecting England and Wales, would form the core of a Licensing Bill, to be published as soon as possible.

He said: "The current ritual of late-night drinkers pouring on to 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. "

Supporting the reforms, an Acpo spokesman said: "We believe that relaxation of laws of opening hours will reduce binge drinking when people are trying to drink as much as possible before closing time and then going on to the streets at once.

"We believe that it will help cut disorder in towns and cities late at night."

But the reforms were described by anti-drink campaigner Alcohol Concern as a "nightmare" for residents unless the proposed changes in legislation were accompanied by new guidelines for councils granting licences.