Few pubs apply for late licences

Since February, pubs have been able to apply for licences to open for up to 24 hours ahead of changes due in November.

But only six pubs in London's City of Westminster have so far applied to extend their hours - and no request for 24-hour opening has been made anywhere.

Landlords appear concerned by the attention paid to rowdy, anti-social behaviour by drinkers in city centres.

From 7 February the new Licensing Act permitted pubs, bars, off-licences and nightclubs to remain open around the clock.

But while London has seen half a dozen applications for longer hours, none has been made in Liverpool and Manchester.

Hype started

Mark Hastings, of the British Beer and Pub Association, told BBC Radio Four's Today programme that the findings came as no surprise.

"I think this is one of those 'we told you so' moments," he said.

"The pub is in a residential area and I have got to think of the neighbours"
Landlord David Elgie

"When the hype first started around 24-hour opening, we said at the time not a single pub would open for 24 hours. And that is proving to be the case and will continue to be the case."

The "enormous" red tape was discouraging landlords from applying, he added.

Before the law comes into force in November, venues can apply for extended licences but have to give the local community and police 21 days to object.

However, even in areas with no history of trouble, licensees appear worried that applications will trigger vocal objections.

David Elgie, of the Percy Arms in Tynemouth, North Tyneside, said he had only asked to extend his hours to avoid neighbours' complaints if he stays open past 11pm.

Binge drinking

"If there are people in the pub having a drink then I am not going to chuck them out. But, obviously, to open 24 hours a day is utterly ludicrous because of staffing costs," he said.

"However, the pub is in a residential area and I have got to think of the neighbours."

Landlords fear objections could also come from councillors, whom the government has made responsible for regulating the industry.

The government argues more flexible hours will stop drinkers spilling on to the street all at once.

But the plans are opposed by some police chiefs and doctors concerned about binge drinking.

The Tories and Liberal Democrats have also called for the proposals to be put on hold.

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