Police fear a rise in violence and antisocial behaviour if pubs are allowed to open late throughout the summer.

Sussex Society of Licensed Victuallers has made applications to magistrates in a number of licensing districts.

The landlords' body wants to see drinks served for an extra hour every Friday and Saturday night in June, July and August.

It is also asking for St George's Day, St Andrew's Day, St Patrick's Day, and St David's Day extensions, as well as election night and bank holidays.

But police in Eastbourne and Hailsham fear later hours will mean more violence, vandalism and antisocial.

East Downs licensing officer Gary Clark said: "It would have implications for policing in the town. Pubs staying open an extra hour every single Friday and Saturday would overstretch our resources and is likely to lead to more trouble in the town centre.

"The law allows for extensions on special occasions but I cannot see how every Friday and Saturday night throughout the summer can be a special occasion."

But the move is likely to go unchallenged in neighbouring Hastings and Rother, which last year became one of the first places in Britain to grant summer-long extensions.

Licensing officer Cathy Wolfe said: "Last year we were the only licensing district apart from Skegness to allow the extensions and we found it worked.

"The fact the pubs were open later did not cause any more problems than we usually have. I will not be objecting this year.

"Our pubs and clubs are not the same as Eastbourne's and our problems are also very different."

Each bid will be considered separately by magistrates.

Alan Diprose, of the Sussex Society of Licensed Victuallers for the Eastbourne area said: "We are a seaside town with a seaside economy and the extension is something required for visitors and the tourist trade."