Patrick Barkham continues his 24-hour drinking adventure in a pub in Dorset as customers get ready for the historic moment when the beer taps reopen at midnight:
It's 11.10pm in the Railway hotel in Blandford Forum and 10 minutes ago a loud cheer went up from the 40 people packed into the pub. Nigel Jones, the landlord, announced: "For the very last time, last orders at the bar ladies and gentlemen please."
Mr Jones then explained that under the Licensing Act 1964 this would be the final time the pub called last orders at 11.00pm. A few minutes later the cloths were hung over the beer taps, the lights were dimmed and it was free soft drinks all round for the drinkers in Dorset.
The clientele inside the Railway seemed positive about the historic moment they had been witnessing and Karen Rigg, who lives next door to the pub, was enjoying a final pint inside. "I think it's going to be better," she said. "Usually after midnight you get them all outside. Now they are going to take their time and you won't get the binge drinking."
Inside the pub now, the darts team are carrying on and everyone is biding their time for the historic moment at one minute past 12 when they can all start drinking alcohol again. I'm just finishing off my pint of Badger's and then I'll have a cup of tea.
