Licenced to thrill? (From Free Press Series)

Licenced to thrill?

The drinkers' dream of pubs staying open 24 hours could become reality when new licensing laws come into force from February next year.

Then, pubs will be able to apply for extensions to their licences. They could even stay open all day. Adrian Osmond looks at the law and asks local publicans and pub-goers what they thought of the changes...

WENDY ALDRIDGE, co-owner of the Bridgend Inn, Pontnewynydd, said it could benefit shift workers.

"I would like to close at 12. We have regulars who are shift workers and we would like to open later for them.

"At the moment, some of them ring us on their way from work and ask us to pull them a pint - they have so little time to have a drink before closing.

"Now people do binge drink, although I'm not sure they will spread their drinking out if they have longer. It might relieve some of the fighting you see in town when the pubs close at the same time - but will it mean police are needed on the streets all night?

"I would give it a cautious welcome. We certainly won't be opening 24 hours - I want to have a rest sometime."

John Brackstone, landlord of The George Hotel, Pontypool, said he would be using the new laws - to stay open for extensions.

"It's a bit draconian to stop people drinking at 11pm," he said. "I hope it will lead to less disorder in the streets, by stopping people leaving all at the same time."

Anita Perrett, tenant at the Greenhouse Inn, Cwmbran, gave a resounding no to the option of staying open all day.

"We work long enough hours as it is," she said. "Maybe we would apply to stay open until 12."

Lunchtime visitors to the George Hotel, Pontypool, were positive about the changes.

Jane Brewer, from Ebbw Vale, said: "I would rather stay in the pub for a drink with friends than have to pay to go into a club after 11pm.

But she feared it could make after-hours trouble worse. "It all depends on whether people know when to stop."

Alex Lancaster, 21, from Newport, said it was a good idea.

"It will stop everyone coming out on the streets at the same time when the pubs close.

"I like to stay out drinking sometimes. This will give people an option. You can go home when you want to. It doesn't force you to stay out."

Richard Pearce, 31, from Wainfelin, said: "It depends how it's policed. It should stop the culture of binge drinking. There is a pressure now to drink as much as you can as quickly as you can.

"Whether it works - well that depends on people taking personal responsibility."

Malcolm Thomas, of Pontypool, said: "I travelled abroad and they've had it on the continent for years. If there is someone in the place they stay open.

"I don't think many places round here will stay open for much longer than they do now anyway."

Daniel Thomas, from Penygarn, said: "If it stops binge drinking, it could mean less trouble on the streets.

"It means more freedom of choice."

David Bezuidenhout, 26, is on a working holiday as a security guard. He comes from South Africa.

Comparing the laws in the two countries, he said: "It's not 24 hours opening at home, but pubs can stay open longer. "I think the early closing is a problem here. I thought this was a developed country and South Africa only developing," he joked. "I'm glad it's heading towards freedom of choice here now."

But community councillor Dave Leek disagreed with relaxing the laws.

"My fear is that it could encourage young people to drink more and longer. Sometimes they need saving from themselves."