Sussex Chief Constable Paul Whitehouse has welcomed plans to allow 24-hour drinking, saying it could cut crime.

Home Office minister Mike O'Brien is expected to announce proposals this week which could allow pubs, bars, restaurants and shops to sell alcohol round the clock.

Up to 35 per cent of all people arrested in Sussex cite alcohol as their "drug of choice" but Mr Whitehouse believes relaxing licensing laws could cut crime.

Established closing times often cause congestion and trouble at taxi ranks and bus stops. Mr Whitehouse said staggering closing times would ease congestion and, provided there was a partnership approach with agencies and services such as taxi firms and bus companies, problems on the streets could be reduced.

Mr O'Brien said it would change the "binge drinking" culture and end drunken hooliganism on city streets after 11.30pm.

Under the proposals, operating times would be governed by local authorities and varied on police advice. New powers include on-the-spot fines for yobs and the power to ban drinking in certain areas and to shut down problem pubs.

Plans to licence landlords and to endorse and ultimately withdraw licences if they misbehaved were especially welcomed by the chief.

He said: "Pubs would put forward business plans, which we and local authorities would consider."

The Sussex branch of the Licensed Victuallers' Association meets today to discuss the proposals and some landlords have voiced concerns.

Bev Robbins, who runs the Hand-in-Hand in Upper St James's Street, Brighton, said: "It could open a can of worms. Politics could influence local councillors on their views about opening hours in their wards.

Mark Hastings, spokesman for the Brewers and Licensed Retailers Association, said the moves would bring an end to drinkers being treated like children.

He said: "We are absolutely delighted. At last we are bringing Britain into the 21st century.