by Louise Tweddell and Alison White

THE region's landlords have reported a slow start to new licensing laws, with punters largely shunning extended drinking.

More than 60 of Dartford's licensed premises applied to extend their opening hours in September.

Paul Bridges, landlord of the Paper Moon in Dartford High Street, usually turfs out drinkers at 11.30pm.

However, he stayed open for an extra 30 minutes over the weekend.

Mr Bridges said: "During the final hour it was pretty much empty, just a few stragglers really, but it is early days.

"People did seem to be more relaxed.

"They were in less of a hurry than they normally are."

Mark Davis, landlord of the Courthouse, Spital Street, Dartford, says the pub is only staying open until midnight, at his discretion.

He said: "We only used it on Saturday for the first time and we had about 30 more people than usual.

"I only did it because it was worth my while to stay open."

Across Gravesham, 75 of 97 premises altered their hours, while only one supermarket went for a 24-hour licence.

Melanie Williams, landlady of The Call Boy, Harmer Street, Gravesend, says worries about extended licences were blown out of proportion.

She said: "I did not have anyone drunk or disorderly trying to come in."

And Shirley Lorence, landlady of the Canal Tavern, Canal Road, Gravesend, says a lot of customers were confused about what the new licensing laws meant.

She said: "If we have them we can use them, which is good.

"They (customers) were expecting us to open 24 hours."

Sonya Bishop, landlady of the Gravesend Boat, Leander Drive, Gravesend, says opening until 1am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday did not make a lot of difference to trade at the pub.

She added: "I think it will really come into its own at Christmas."

Edward Kerr, the landlord of the Somerset Arms, Darnley Road, Gravesend, says there was a good atmosphere as revellers enjoyed themselves up to the 2am closing.

He said: "It was normal for Friday and Saturday night."