Pubgoers seeing in the New Year were able to enjoy a peaceful celebration thanks to longer opening hours, according to industry experts.
Pubs, bars and clubs had the option to serve alcohol for 36 hours after ministers decided to extend drinking hours on New Year's Eve permanently following two years of successful trials.
Industry experts said few decided to stay open non-stop, with most choosing their own closing time in the early hours of the morning.
Tony Payne, chief executive of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations, said because businesses were able to choose their own hours there was less crush on the streets than if they were forced to shut at the same time.
"As far as I am concerned from what I have heard from our members it was a very peaceful evening and the public were able to celebrate and take full advantage of the longer hours," Mr Payne said.
He said that most businesses had chosen to close between 2am and 4am, allowing people plenty of time to find taxis and make their way home.
"Like last year and the year before, the longer hours worked well and the staggered closing times meant people were not coming out on the street at the same time," Mr Payne said.
He added that in his opinion there had been a lot less trouble in the years since the longer hours were introduced.
Experts also believe the change has led to less binge-drinking caused by people racing to beat the last orders bell.
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