2:56pm UK, Wednesday December 31, 2003

Party-loving Brits are set for a heavy New Year hangover as brewers predict they will go on a 130-million pint bender tonight.

Wellington Arch, London

The British Beer and Pub Association say they also expect millions of bottles of champers and wine to be guzzled before Saturday.

Sainsbury's beer manager Allan Webb said: "Alcohol sales are expected to exceed the Millennium - this New Year is set to be the booziest ever."

The easing of licensing laws has opened the way for pubs to remain open for 36 hours over New Years eve.

But most Brits are preparing to shun expensive pubs and clubs and see in 2004 in their homes.

A Sky News Online survey shows more than two-thirds plan to stay put.

And a spokesman for supermarket giant Tesco said customers are snubbing pub venues because of "rip-off prices".

Drinks manager Mark Murphy told the Daily Star: "A New Year's Eve night out can easily cost upwards of £100 each just for club entry and drinks.

"You can add around £40 for a taxi and most people don't have that kind of money to throw around after Christmas."

Predictions of wind and rain for the next few days will also persuade many people to remain at home.