Licensing reforms which could lead to pubs opening round the clock have received a mixed response in Brighton.

The Government yesterday announced a major shake-up of the archaic restrictions, which mean the majority of pubs and bars cannot serve after 11pm.

The Licensing Bill has been given a seal of approval by Parliament and is expected to become law shortly.

Ministers said the Bill would offer flexible opening hours, tough measures to tackle crime and less red tape.

However, publican Trevor Hughes, who runs the Prince Arthur in Dean Street, Brighton, said he was not happy with a part of the legislation which transferred the power to grant drinks licences from magistrates to councils.

He said: "I agree the licensing laws need an overhaul but I do not necessarily agree with what the Government is doing.

"During the week, I don't think it would be worth staying open later. The experience of longer opening hours is you do not take more money, it's just spread over a longer time.

"This is not 24-hour licensing. You still have to apply for hours so if you are in a residential area, you are not going to be allowed to open to 3am.

"The costs of licences are going to be considerably more and that will be passed on to the customer."

Colin Millham, chairman of the Sussex Society of Licensed Victuallers and licensee of the King's Arms in Kemp Town, said: "I don't personally think many licensees will get much out of this.

"If you are in a residential area, most residents are not going to want pubs to stay open much longer than they are already."

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell said the law would "balance liberalisation and deregulation with new levels of protection for local residents and communities."

Councillor Don Turner, Brighton and Hove City Council's spokesman for licensing and regulatory powers, said the Bill was likely to receive Royal Assent later this month and could come into force in January.

The council is formulating a licensing strategy, which would go to consultation in the autumn.

Conservative group leader Brian Oxley said: "I would say it's very much horses for courses. There is a night club in my ward and people have to walk through quiet residential streets to get home.

"The council is going to have to account for these things. We have to be very sensitive about where venues are located."

Liberal Democrat group leader Paul Elgood said: "The liberalisation of licensing laws will open up a new late-night culture in the city.

"The council needs to develop a strategy with other agencies, such as the police, to ensure residents are not unnecessarily disturbed and any problems can be dealt with in advance.

"It's going to have a big impact, especially in the summer but overall, the plans are to be welcomed."

Thursday July 10, 2003