Pubs in Wandsworth can stay open all night on New Year's Eve after a decision by a committee of MPs to relax licensing laws.

All licensees can choose to stay open for a 36-hour period from 11am on New Year's Eve, but few look like they will be taking advantage of the move.

Although many licensees have said they will open for a few extra hours past the usual 2am closing time, most believe revellers will get too drunk if they stayed open all night. They added it would be unpopular with staff and unprofitable.

And while the move could be a step towards the long called for extension of drinking hours, residents fear it will cause more rowdiness on New Year's Eve.

But Sergeant Ian McKenna, Wandsworth's licensing officer, said: "I do not envisage this causing any problems the same laws were applied two years ago and there was no trouble then.

"Most licensees took the responsible step of closing their doors about 4am I'm sure they will do the same this year."

Charles Rudkin, manager of The Fine Line, in Northcote Road, added: "We won't be staying open all night on New Year's Eve although it will be useful to have an extra two hours.

"It's not fair on the staff, we wouldn't make much money after then and people wouldn't be in a reasonable state after that time."

November 16, 2001 14:30