The operation of 24-hour licenced premises has become legal in England and Wales after legislation came into force at midnight.
More than 1,000 businesses will have the right to open round the clock.
About one third of those are pubs, bars and nightclubs, and another third are supermarkets, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said.
Critics fear the extended opening hours could increase alcohol-fuelled crime and put pressure on over-stretched A&E departments.
But the department said most of the 1,008 premises granted 24-hour licences were expected to open for just a few hours extra on Friday and Saturday nights.
Its survey of 336 out of 378 licensing authorities in England and Wales showed that about 0.5 per cent of the 190,000 licensed premises would have the right to open round the clock.
A further sample survey of 30 authorities showed that 80 per cent of pubs, bars and nightclubs planned to close before 1am.
The new Licensing Act required every business selling hot food after 11pm, serving alcohol or putting on public entertainment to apply for a new licence even if they didn't require a change of opening hours.
It also gives police greater powers to deal with alcohol-fuelled disorder.
Home Secretary Charles Clarke has said recorded crime is expected to rise because more police resources will be targeted at alcohol-related offences.
PA