Gordon Brown is to review Britain’s 24-hour licensing laws, which critics claim have led to an increase in binge drinking.

The Prime Minister, who has already blocked supercasinos and is considering a higher classification for cannabis, made plain yesterday that he was preparing to look at the impact of the relaxation in November 2005 of the licensing laws. He told his first monthly press conference at Downing Street that the change in the law had prompted very strong views and it was right to look at the evidence.

His remarks prompted speculation that another U-turn was on the cards. Aides said later that the licensing review was not in the same category as those relating to casinos and drugs classification, on which Mr Brown already had clear views, but they confirmed that he was ready to look at the 24-hour drinking issue with an open mind.

The Home Office and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport are monitoring the impact of the changes across the country.

Aides said that Mr Brown would be looking at the results and carrying out a more formal consultation with local authorities and police in the areas reported to have been badly affected by the changes. One said: “He does not come at this with the view that something must be changed, but he thinks it is right for ministers to take a serious look at all the evidence when it comes in.”

Mr Brown’s spokesman added: “He wants to examine in an objective way all the evidence. People will form a view but it will be evidence-based.”

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