BRIGHTON looks set to stay open late into the night under new laws to extend drinking hours.

The town, the liveliest on the South Coast, is planning to cash in on new Government proposals to allow pubs and clubs to extend opening hours. The plans could see nightclubs serving drink until 5am, instead of the current 2am limit, while pubs away from houses might be allowed to serve drink for an extra hour until midnight. Town across Sussex, including Worthing and Eastbourne, are considering the proposals but Brighton, with its wide range of nightlife, is likely to be most affected by the changes. The moves were today welcomed by landlords, club owners the police and tourism chiefs. Amanda Shephard, tourism marketing manager for Brighton and Hove Council, said: "In tourism terms it makes sense to extend licensing hours. "With longer hours, people could go for a meal, take in a show and then have a drink in a pub at a more leisurely pace." Brighton publicans are pleased with the move but say the proposals should go further. Bev Robbins, chairman of the Sussex Licensed Victuallers' Association, said: "Why should pubs be limited at all? We should be given flexible hours to suit us." Club owners and promoters in Brighton have also welcomed the plans. Phil Leppard, manager of The Paradox Club in West Street, said: "I doubt whether we would open until 5am, but certainly 3am and maybe 4am. "We welcome the plans but what everyone would like to see is an opening up of the licensing rules to allow people to open when they see fit." Police will be working closely with landlords. Kareen Plympton , licensing officer for Brighton police, said: "We want to work with licensees to ensure the plans are of commercial benefit but also that the town is safe. "We would not consider it appropriate to give some pubs and clubs an extension. We intend to have zoning. We would have strong concern for pubs in out-lying residential districts." An independent commission into opening hours, set up by Home Office licensing minister George Howarth, will start work within the next two months. The new laws are expected to come into force by next year.

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