The Unoccupied Properties Act has come into force, removing the 50% rates discount for empty premises and making firms liable for 90% of the charge.

BBC: Empty shops

The 2005 Gambling Act, which has just come into force, provides further legal footing for gambling.

ECONOMIST: A new newspaper plans to tap into Britain's betting boom

Yet the Comprehensive Test-Ban Treaty, concluded in 1996 and since signed by more than 150 states (including all five official nuclear powers), has still not come into force.

ECONOMIST: No more tests

This has led to new rules, including affordability checks, which will come into force in April 2014.

BBC: Tighter rules for mortgage lending agreed by EU

The country has no patent regime currently, although patent protection is due to come into force in the next five years.

FORBES: Window On A Different Dhaka

The temporary ban, which will affect millions of householders in the region, will come into force at 0600 BST on Friday, United Utilities has said.

BBC: Water firm imposes hosepipe ban in north-west England

The coalition has introduced a ban on the sale of alcohol for less than cost price, which will come into force in England and Wales in April 2012.

BBC: Minimum alcohol price in UK 'would save lives'

Although no changes to the current regime on religious slaughter are mooted in a new EU directive on animal welfare, due to come into force in January 2013, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Minister James Paice has noted that "member states can impose stricter rules in relation to religious slaughter if they wish".

BBC: MPs want curbs on 'unacceptable' religious slaughter