Landlords fear higher costs under the new licensing system

The proposals, originally promised before the last election, will mean 24 hour drinking in some pubs.

But ministers are stressing measures they hope will prevent disorder.

Tory culture spokesman Julie Kirkbride said the minister responsible, Tessa Jowell, seemed to be at odds with Home Office fears of a "crime explosion".

Decriminalised?

Culture Secretary Ms Jowell said Tuesday's guidance showed her determination to bring the "minority of badly run premises into line with the best".

Guideline aims Prevention of public nuisance Protection of children Crackdown on badly run pubs More freedom for well-run pubs Consistent application of rules across England and Wales

But Ms Kirkbride said: "Last week the Home Office said that new drinking laws would create a crime explosion in cities and town centres. This week, Tessa Jowell says the rules will prevent crime.

"Meanwhile, underage drinking has been effectively decriminalised. With different government departments working in opposite directions, no wonder the police, pub-goers and landlords are all left in the dark.

"Council tax payers and the brewing industry are very concerned about how much these licences will cost. The government should make up its mind on such an important issue."

Under the government's Licensing Act 2003, local authorities and not magistrates will grant licences.

'Delay'

Ms Jowell said licensing authorities would have "a clear responsibility to promote the prevention of crime and disorder, and the prevention of public nuisance" under the Act.

They would also have to "promote public safety, and protect children from harm".

Ms Jowell said police and other "responsible authorities should make full use of existing and new powers" under the Act to tackle alcohol related crime and disorder and badly run premises.

Concern remains that extended drinking hours will increase thuggish behaviour though ministers have argued staggering the time over which people leave pubs will reduce incidents of alcohol-related criminality.

The Lib Dems accused the government of "delay and confusion" over its reforms.

The changes were first proposed in 2000 and just before the 2001 general election some young voters received text messages from Labour promoting the plans.

Disorder and chaos?

Lib Dem culture spokesman Don Foster said: "In January, the government dismissed fears that their timetable on licensing was over-optimistic.

"Now it is clear that there is to be further delay and confusion.

"Before the last general election, this government texted 'cdnt give a XXXX 4 lst ordrs? Vote labour on thrsdy 4 xtra time' to voters.

"How much extra time does this government need to get its act in order?

"It seems increasingly obvious that this government couldn't give a XXXX about the disorder and chaos caused by the Licensing Act."

He said it would take 16 months for the Act to come into effect.

Among its provisions is a plan to combine alcohol and entertainment licences into a single licence. Local authorities will also get discretion to apply flexible opening hours.