Dunmow drinkers will be able to buy a pint round the clock if new licensing laws are given the go-ahead.

Uttlesford District Council's licensing committee has already approved its draft policy that could see the arrival of 24-hour drinking.

Residents will be able to argue against the proposals at a forthcoming public meeting.

Under the new proposals, licensed premises will no longer have to conform to the Licensing Act 1964 which restricts drinking hours from 11am to 11pm.

The new plans will see district and borough councils take over the management of licensing laws from magistrates enabling them to specify drinking hours.

Licensed premises will continue to operate under the current regime run by magistrates, until the proposals are approved and the Government sets a date for their enforcement.

This has been proposed for November of next year, from which point pubs and bars can start applying for 24-hour licences.

Uttlesford District Council is hoping the meeting will help them produce a policy that reflects the people's views, which members will then take to the next licensing committee meeting in November.

Paul Gibson, co-owner of Lennons Bar in Dunmow High Street, said: "I think it's a fantastic idea.

"It can only benefit us, the licensees, and the community by giving people the opportunity to come out and have a drink until late, without having to pay out for taxi fares to the bigger towns."

Lennons is currently open Monday to Saturday 11am-11pm and then on Sunday from 12 noon-10.30pm.

A spokesman for Dunmow Town Council said councillors had not seen a copy of the draft policy and did not wish to comment until they had examined it.

An Essex Police spokesman said that all applications would be taken on individual merit as long as they were sensible but police were wary of the possible trouble that may result from long drinking hours.

Published Thursday August 26, 2004

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