Those in favour say it'll bring a taste of cafe culture. Those against argue that relaxing licensing laws in England and Wales will actually encourage binge drinking.

Today and tomorrow, Breakfast takes a special look at plans to reform pub opening hours.

They would mean an end to the tradition of pubs calling time at 11pm, with drinking into the small hours of the morning becoming the norm in many city centres.

The hope is that pub-goers will no longer feel the need to down huge quantities of alcohol in a short amount of time.

Instead, say those who champion reform, the British will develop a more relaxed style of drinking, as they do on the continent.

This morning, in a special report, we hear from Mark Hastings, from the British Beer and Pub Association who's in favour of the proposals. Tomorrow, we'll hear from a supporter.

Click here to see Max Hastings' report

Mark Hastings says that British people are not "genetically disposed" to drink more than other people - it's just that we have to do our drinking in a restricted environment.

He also explained that if pubs and bars do want to open a bit later, they have to provide entertainment - "which means music".

This draws many young people into the bars and pubs, and town centres.

Max believes that pubs could in fact be appealing to an "older and more mature" crowd to have a "relaxed drink" late in the evening.

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