Seven out of 10 police authorities, primary care trusts and councils said the number of drink-related incidents had gone up or stayed the same, according to a survey by the Local Government Association.

Almost one in three primary care trusts reported an increase, the report said.

The Government hoped the introduction of extended drinking hours in November 2005 would lead to people drinking at a slower rate and, therefore, fewer alcohol-fuelled incidents.

But, according to reports, Sir Simon Milton, chairman of the LGA, said: "The new drink laws have made no impact whatsoever on reducing the alcohol-related violence that blights town centres on a Friday and Saturday night."

Sir Simon also said the LGA survey - which was based on responses from 51 local authorities, 49 primary care trusts and 20 police authorities - showed the financial strain of round-the-clock drinking on services.

"Town halls have been landed with an accumulated bill of £100 million from the new laws and have been left with little option but to pass the cost on to the council tax-payer," he added.

Sir Simon is due to address the LGA's annual conference, which starts in Bournemouth.