The new Licensing Act has not fuelled an increase in drinking and people do not want to see it abolished with a return to fixed closing times, according to a new YouGov poll for the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA).
Seventy-eight per cent say they drink about the same amount as they did before the introduction of flexible licensing hours and 12% say they now drink less - only 3% say they drink more.
More than three quarters (76%) do not want to see the new licensing laws abolished and a return to fixed closing times.
"This poll supports the
hard data we have on the nation's alcohol consumption," said Rob Hayward, chief executive of the BBPA.
"Since the Licensing Act was introduced the amount we drink has fallen in each of the last two years, by a total of more than 5%. What people are saying in this poll fully reflects that trend."
People have also noticed positive changes in the nature of pubs.
More than half (51%) say pub menus and food have improved.
Four in 10 say they are
more family friendly - 44% of 35 to 44-year-olds and 51% of 45 to 54-year-olds say this is the case.
A third say they think pubs now appeal to a wider range of customers than they did two years ago.
People feel strongly about the role of the pub in the community - 58% say pubs are a national institution and an important part of our cultural heritage.
most popular pub pastimes
The poll also identifies the most popular pub pastimes with people saying what they go to the pub for in a typical week:
Meet friends59%
Drink49%
Have an evening meal36%
Have lunch30%
Watch sport18%
Meet work colleagues17%
Compete in pub quizzes14%
Have a soft drink13%
Listen to live music12%
Meet new people7%
Have tea or coffee6%
Have breakfast3%