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

Licensees across the UK have been given the chance to stay open for a 36-hour period from 11am on New Year's Eve, but few look like they will be taking full advantage of the move.

Although many licensees told the News they will open for a few extra hours past the usual 2am closing time, most said they believed revellers will get too drunk if they stayed open all night.

They added it would be unpopular with staff and would not be financially worthwhile.

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

But Sgt Ian McKenna, Wandsworth's licencing 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 Benn, manager of George II on Battersea Park Road, said: "I definitely won't be opening on New Year's Eve. I don't think many people will want to drink through to the next morning anyway.

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 anyway."

November 16, 2001 12:01