The Licensed Victuallers Association requested from the licensing justices a blank grant for a one-hour opening extension on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer but this was refused on the grounds it did not represent a special case.

As Ann Burton (Opinion, April 5) made clear, the justices relied on one particular case to reach their decision and this case - Regina v Dewsland and Haverford West Licensing Justices (1961) - is more than 40 years old.

Our submission was that social habits have moved on significantly and what may not have been a special occasion 40 years ago may be now.

Objection to an extension of hours came from Sussex Police, which argued "the granting of such exemptions will have serious policing implications".

However, in a judgment given by Justice Haywood at Lewes on May 1, 1998, it was stated "police resources may be stretched but that is a matter for the Home Office and should not be propagated as reason to object to these proposals".

The LVA also received letters of support from various local MPs and dignitaries who made the point that the city caters well for its younger visitors through clubs "but the more mature of its visitors will relish a later drink than usual".

As mentioned by Mrs Burton, Hastings' justices have granted an extension of hours for the summer, and we at the LVA would submit this cannot be unlawful as it has been given two years running.

-Colin Millham, Chairman, Sussex Society of Licensed Victuallers, Brighton