Local publicans have welcomed the moves which will mean they can open all day under the new licensing system unveiled this week.

The overhaul of the licensing laws is an attempt to modernise the present system, which has been in operation for 40 years.

The proposal includes abolishing Sunday restrictions and making pubs more children friendly.

The police will have new powers to close down rowdy premises and ban customers who have been convicted of violent behaviour from all pubs for life.

Landlord of the Red Pig and secretary of the Pub and Club Watch in Keighley, Bob Brown says: "I think it is a good idea and it will be interesting to see what to expect on bank holidays when we can open until midnight.

"This will give us a feel to what the public demand. Although I feel that I do enough hours already, I can see this being very advantageous at weekends. This scheme will give licensees more option which is always a good idea."

Janette Harper, licensee of The Star, also agrees with the proposals. "It will give people more freedom of choice as you can open when you want to," she said.

"These proposals will mean that drinkers will not be cramming vast amounts of alcohol in a couple of hours. People will drink more steadily and this will mean that present problems faced by licensee will decrease.

Anne-Marie Vear, landlady of The Lord Rodney, says: "This is fantastic news, it is about time.

"This will mean that at weekends drinkers will be able to stay in the pub rather than going home or going onto a nightclub."

Mark Storton of the Victoria Hotel says: "It will give pubs more freedom and can see this definitely benefiting Leeds. But we won't be opening 24 hours."

Kevin Clayton, landlord of The Volunteers, feels unsure about whether this new proposal a good idea. "I am not entirely against it, but I am not interested in remaining open for 24 hours. I think staying open until midnight will be beneficial."

He continues, "But staying open until two or three in the morning is going to mean a problem in getting staff."

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