Nearly 80 round-the-clock booze licences have been granted in Birmingham since the introduction of new laws a year ago.

Bars, clubs, hotels, supermarkets and a lap-dancing club are among the premises selling alcohol 24-hours a day in the city, new council figures have revealed.

And according to council bosses, fears that the relaxation of the licensing rules would lead to an escalation of violence have proved unfounded.

Licensing officials said the city’s pubs and clubs now had staggered opening hours, resulting in less trouble and less demand for services like taxis and takeaways.

In all, 25 hotels now have 24-hour licences, as well as six supermarkets, six off-licences, six bars and restaurants, as well as one lap-dancing club, and an art gallery and a casino.

Despite having 24-hour licences, many establishments only open round-the-clock on special occasions, council officials said.

Councillor David Osborne, chair of Birmingham’s licensing committee, said: "The initial fears expressed by some about the new regime have proven totally unfounded.

"Our experience is that businesses, the police, taxi providers and late night revellers have all reaped great benefits from the changes to the law, enhancing the cosmopolitan reputation of the city."

He added: "It is of credit to the hard work of our officers and the co-operation shown by licence holders that we have seen such a smooth transition to the new regime.

>> Drinks law fears unfounded