My Department estimates the following number of premises licensed for the sale or supply of alcohol for 24 hours in their standard timings, in force on 31 March in each of the last three years in England and Wales (rounded to the nearest hundred):
Number 2007 6,000 2008 7,100 2009 7,400 Source: The Alcohol, Entertainment and Late Night Refreshment Licensing Bulletin 2008-09.
On 31 March 2009, this made up 4 per cent. of all premises licences and club premises certificates authorised to sell alcohol. The possession of a 24-hour licence does not necessarily mean that the premises will choose to open for 24 hours.
Prior to the 2003 Act, hotels were authorised to sell alcohol to residents and their private guests only, outside of permitted licensing hours and were able to apply to keep this provision under 'grandfather rights'.