In the second of our special reports, we look at proposed changes to the licensing laws that could see a more relaxed approach, and longer drinking hours in England and Wales.

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.

This morning we heard from the journalist Martin Kettle, who is against a change in the law.

Martin Kettle believes that the new laws could bring about the opposite effect of what the government wants.

Martin Kettle pointed out that when they extended opening hours in Ireland, the net result was an increase in alcohol consumption and drunken offences - precisely what the government was trying to avoid.

It takes centuries to change a culture Martin Kettle, Guardian journalist

Martin says he's in favour of sensible drinking, but believes that this change in the law could lead to our town centres becoming like "Ibiza without the sunshine".

Our reporter Jules Botfield also caught up with the managing director of the Wetherspoons pub chain in Henley

Click here to see Breakfast reporter Jules Botfield interview John Hutson, MD of Wetherspoons pubs

Wetherspoons has 30 pubs across the country which have extended opening hours.

They are allowed to open later because they offer music - and generally attract younger, livelier customers.

And John Huston says that having "staggered closing times" - so that not all the pubs in a town centre are "chucking out" at 11pm creates less trouble for the police to deal with.

An extra hour at the end of the night

He also stressed though that the new law could be of greatest benefits to local country and suburban pubs, serving local customers who just wish to stay in their local for a little bit later into the evening.

Yesterday, in a special report, we heard from Mark Hastings, from the British Beer and Pub Association who's in favour of the proposals.

Click here to see Mark 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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