Positive feedback from extended New Year opening

Extended opening hours on New Year's Eve have been hailed a success by the trade even though many pubs chose to open for just a few extra hours.

Initial feedback on the extended hours - which allowed licensees to open for 36 hours if they wished - has been positive, with publicans, police and customers agreeing the evening was a success.

Mark Hastings, spokesman for the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), said: "It's been very positive. Certainly from the police perspective we've had reports it was better than an average Friday or Saturday night. Trade was good and all the evidence is positive."

The extended hours were granted for this year with the understanding that should they prove a success, the Government would consider implementing the same extension for subsequent New Year's Eves.

Licensing minister Dr Kim Howells is said to have given a "cautious welcome" to the reports that the relaxed hours were a success. He said a review had already begun and if it concluded the extended opening had "no detrimental effect" then it could become a permanent fixture.

"We want to know if the one-off flexible drinking laws over the New Year were a success," he said. "We're gathering information from the police, courts, local authorities and the licensed trade to help us review the impact of the relaxed licensing hours on New Year's Eve.

"What we can't do is second-guess the evidence. It's important to get a true picture of how the new law worked. When we have fully analysed the information, we will decide whether to consult publicly on a regulatory reform proposal to change licensing hours permanently at all future New Year's Eves."

The trade is hopeful its representatives will have a chance to meet with Dr Howells to discuss the issue.

The BBPA has already written to Dr Howells to express its support for future relaxed hours. Mr Hastings said: "We've written to say right, now we can press on and get this every New Year."

Around the country revellers enjoyed the extended opening hours - but in some towns the celebrations were more low-key.

Preston pubs closed their doors earlier than expected after licensees turned down the chance to open for 36 hours.

Officials in the licensing department at Preston Council said they only received applications from five places wanting to extend their public entertainment licences by the odd hour.