BBC News Online asks two experts for their views as Parliament debates licensing laws.

The problem is clear. We're all for liberalising our licensing laws and creating a family friendly culture. Kids, in this bill, are going to be allowed to go into pubs and clubs any time on their own, without adult supervision.

The thing is, if the publican doesn't want children in his pubs he has to give a very clear reason why to the licensing authorities.

He has to believe he is going to protect the children from harm - his pub is frequented by drug dealers or his club is somewhere where they have activities of a sexually explicit nature.

The publican is in a very difficult position here where he has to let kids in unless he gives a very good reason why not.

We're all for kids going into pubs with their parents - I take my children into pubs. But if kids attempt to buy a drink with alcohol in it, they are instantly guilty of a criminal offence.

This law is saying let's have kids in our pubs and clubs, but woe betide if they attempt to buy a drink, we'll make criminals of them.

As a lawyer of 25 years standing, I sat and read and re-read this bill and I couldn't believe what I was reading.

My amendment is pretty liberal, I'm saying that only children under 14 shouldn't be allowed in pubs and clubs, and I think that's incredibly reasonable.

Mark Hastings of the British Beer & Pub Association does not see any problems with changes to the law.

The first thing to say is it's only those pubs that want to open to children and only those whose business is appropriate that will do it.

If a 12 or 13-year-old can go into a licensed restaurant and have a burger or a pizza and a soft drink, why shouldn't they be able to go into a pub and do the same?

A lot of pubs have changed dramatically over recent years - often their focus now is on food. Many pubs are looking deliberately at families to market to - they have crayons and computer games.

I think it's just about giving people greater choice in the 21st century, we're looking for a more mature and flexible trading environment.

For those pubs that have a very adult theme, they won't be allowed in the door.

For many communities, especially rural communities, the pub is the only place for people to meet together, it's the heart of community life. Why shouldn't they be able to go into them?

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