New drink laws 'lead to violence'
Plans to relax drinking laws in England and Wales will lead to a sharp increase in violent crime, judges have warned.
Rapes and serious assaults will soar if pubs are allowed to open longer, said the Council of Her Majesty's Circuit Judges, which represents 600 judges.
Police chiefs also warned the new drink laws, to start in November, will lead to a holiday-resort drinking culture.
The government says late licences will curb bad behaviour by stopping drinkers from heading home at the same time.
'Great mistake' Licensed premises can apply to extend their opening hours beyond 11pm from 24 November, potentially in some cases to allow 24-hour drinking....
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