Violent crime declines in Britain

LONDON, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- Britain and Wales saw violent crimes decline 11 per cent last year from the previous year despite extended drinking hours, reports The Times of London.

New licensing laws were introduced last year to allow for extended drinking hours amid warnings of increased alcohol-related crimes, the report said.

A Home Office spokeswoman said: "Obviously alcohol-related disorder is a serious concern for the government, that is why we are providing police with a range of measures to crack down on this."

Mark Hastings of the British Beer and Pub Association says worry about increased crime rates provide unfounded.

"Clearly, the combination of flexible opening hours and law enforcement is having a positive impact," he said.