Pubs across Sussex today soundly rejected plans to allow around-the-clock drinking.

Research by The Argus has shown few landlords are interested in extending drinking hours during the week while none want to open around the clock.

Twenty town and country pubs ruled out 24-hour opening because of the increased overheads it would entail.

It deals a blow to New Labour's vision of cities like Brighton and Hove teeming with "trendy" bars where theatre-goers could enjoy a drink at midnight when the new laws come into effect next week.

Graham Boyd, landlord at the Lord Nelson Inn, in Trafalgar Street, Brighton, said: "People haven't got the resources or the money to open 24 hours.

"We might extend our hours as and when, such as for special occasions, but it is just not financially viable to stay open all the time."

Stan Smith, landlord at the Halfway House, in Wellington Road, Portslade, said: "I'd be paying more in wages than I would earn by keeping the pub open. At 2am on most nights the place would be empty."

Carol Smith, who runs the Marquis of Granby in Sompting with her husband Peter, said: "Extending opening times is a good idea in the cities and it would be nice for us on Fridays and Saturdays or when we have a function.

"But most pubs do not want to be open at 3am. They could not afford to open all day. It would create extra costs with staffing, getting staff home, heating.

"The change could make things easier by saving us having to go to court to get an extension for the odd function. We would apply for an extension to use at our own discretion."

From February 7 licencees can apply to their council to sell alcohol 24 hours a day, seven days a week but residents will be able to challenge applications.

When the six months is over, the Government will review the trial period and decide whether or not to make the move permanent.

While the Government and senior police officers think 24-hour drinking is a good idea, there are many who oppose the legislation, believing it will create "urban savages" and turn town centres into no-go areas.

Opponents, including the Conservative Party, believe the relaxation could lead to a rise in alcohol-related crime which costs £7.3 billion a year.

The Royal College of Physicians says there is already an "epidemic" of binge drinking and the plan "flies in the face of common sense".

Matthew Stringer, landlord of the Druid Arms, in Ditchling Road, Brighton, said: "It would be impractical for us to open 24 hours because we are more of a community pub.

"Wages and other costs would make it impractical.

"The one opportunity this new legislation might give us is in perhaps allowing us to open earlier, for a beer and a breakfast."

Neil Hayward, landlord of the Robin Hood, in Norfolk Place, Hove, said: "We would say no to opening 24 hours but may extend hours at certain times.

"It may suit more centrally located pubs but I don't think it's something we would go for".

At the Cobblers Thumb in New England Road, Brighton, bar manager Paul Sparks said: "We might be tempted to open later at weekends but the only people you are going to get in after 2am are drunks and idiots. There is no way we would open 24 hours."

Karen Moore, manager at the Leek and Winkle, in Ditchling Road, Brighton, said: "You might find town centre pubs extend hours during the week while community pubs will stay as they are."

At the Waggon and Horses in Church Street, Brighton, landlady Sandra Payne said: "I'm sure the community wouldn't be happy having a pub nearby open all hours."

Paul Rumble, chairman of the 1066 Licensed Victuallers' Association, covering Hastings and St Leonards, Bexhill, Battle and Rye, said: "Our members have been opposing this legislation for the past 10 years.

"If we dare to change opening hours at all it will be classed as a variation to our basic licence.

"In the past this could be achieved with a £10 note and one form allowing you to apply for unlimited variation dates in that year.

"Dealing with the council, drawing up plans of your premises to the specifications set by them, it will cost hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds."

Monday January 31, 2005