Two hundred and seventy-five years of tradition came to a close on Tuesday when the final licensing session was held at South Lakeland Magistrates Court, reports Andy Bloxham.

The Brewster' licence renewal sessions date back to 1729, two years into the reign of George II, when justices of the peace were ordered to control the country's drinking habits.

The way licences are granted to landlords will change when the Government puts the Licensing Act 2003 into force.

That is expected to happen later this year, when South Lakeland District Council will take over responsibility.

The problems of George II's time persisted up to 100 years ago when The Westmorland Gazette reported a "chucker" system causing problems - the sale of beer at a penny a glass.

Speaking this week, chairman of the licensing bench, magistrate Everley Buckley, said cheap drink in Kendal was still causing problems, with two-for-one offers and happy hours available around the town.

In his final report to the magistrates, Sgt Keith Wood criticised promotions that encouraged binge drinking.

He said: "Alcohol is inextricably linked to crime and disorder."

Sgt Wood said the night-time economy would take on a different atmosphere when SLDC took over licensing and added the police would be ready to crack down on the sale of alcohol to drunken people, which could bring enormous benefits.

Last year in South Cumbria, the policing area that includes South Lakeland, 52 people were convicted for being drunk and disorderly, down from 65 in 2002.

He added: "Alcohol has always been a problem. Before the Battle of Hastings, the Norman soldiers spent the night in prayer. The English spent the night getting drunk."