A FEW hours ago, the Government embarked on what is arguably its greatest gamble since taking office in 1997. Be under no illusion - the stakes are very high indeed.

We see it like this. If the 24-hour drinking Bill that came into force at midnight puts a brake on binge drinking, then only the anti-social minority will be crying into their lager. A modern scourge will be removed at the stroke of the legislator's pen.

But if misery and mayhem on our streets is merely spread more evenly throughout the night, then there may well be a few politicians looking anxiously over their shoulders come the next General Election. Yes, it's as serious as that.

As in most towns and cities across Britain, drink-fuelled hooliganism is a recurring problem in Worcester. This newspaper is particularly mindful of the misery endured by many people whose homes are situated along the club and pub "runs."

Residents in Rainbow Hill, Bridge Street, Hylton Road and Bath Road will all be familiar with the disturbance and petty vandalism caused by alcohol abuse.

However, if the Government's dream of creating a more civilised, European-style cafe culture does become a reality, then its throw of the dice will have paid dividends.

Nevertheless, we should also be mindful that the more rigid pub opening times, which are now history, were originally introduced during the First World War to reduce drunkeness among munition workers. And that, of course, is a sobering thought for us all.