PUB-GOERS will not be allowed to drink for an extra hour at weekends during the summer.

Magistrates threw out an application for pubs across Brighton and Hove to open until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights throughout June, July and August.

Publicans, who backed the application by the city branch of the Sussex Society of Licensed Victuallers, said they were bitterly disappointed.

They had argued the Licensing Act of 1964, which only allows pubs to extend opening hours on special occasions, was outdated and the extension would boost the city's economy.

The application also related to extra hours at bank holidays, Christmas and New Year and on saints' days.

Stephen Hall, for the victuallers, told city magistrates: "What may or may not have been a special occasion 40 years ago can be considered as one now due to economic and social changes.

"Brighton and Hove is now a major tourist city. It attracts a large number of foreign visitors who are used to a much broader licensing regime.

"All we want to do is bring the law into line with other European countries."

But the application was opposed by police.

Careen Plympton, licensing officer for Brighton police, said: "We would submit that summer time does not count as a special occasion and licensees are doing this for their own benefit."

After lengthy debate, magistrates rejected the application.

The deputy chairman of the bench, Anthea Franks, said: "We feel that Friday and Saturday nights, except at bank holidays, do not constitute special occasions."

Speaking after the case, Bev Robbins, chairman of the Sussex Society of Licensed Victuallers, said: "This has really knocked the wind out of my sails. Big clubs are allowed to open until 2am but not everyone wants to go to a club.

"We want to appeal but that will be very expensive. I don't know what the next move is."