REVELLERS wanting to take advantage of new licensing laws and drink round the clock on New Year's Eve were finding it impossible to find a watering hole in Ilkley.

While police and medical experts were handing out dire warnings about the consequences of non-stop partying, public houses in Ilkley were preparing to shut their doors at normal times.

The recent ruling allowed pub to open from 11am on New Year's Eve to 11pm the following day, prompting senior police officers to issue a note of caution, especially to motorists.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Police are happy for people to enjoy themselves over the festive period but would encourage them to be sensible.

"We want everyone to have a good time but not at the expense or safety of others. He said that high-profile patrols would be out over the holiday to try and catch those tempted to drink and drive.

But in Ilkley the new laws have been largely ignored by pubs who are sticking to the more traditional opening and closing times.

Simon Wright, manager of Bar t'at, Cunliffe Road, said: "We will be opening until 12.30pm on New Year's Eve."

We are only a small place and staff have to sleep. I don't know any bars in Ilkley that are planning to stay open for 24 hours. The big problem is staffing."

Rosie Beardsley, assistant manager at the Cow and Calf public house, Hangingstone Road, Ilkley.

"We are not planning to stay open all night. It is a long enough day as it is. We are open until one o'clock in the morning for people who have already booked to eat with us. I am expecting them all to have a great time and be happy to go home at one o'clock."

Jimmy Denman, assistant manager of Johnson's Caf Bar on Brook Street, said: "We are not staying open all night. The staffing costs would be an absolute fortune.

"We will be calling last orders at 2am. We are open late but we won't be staying up through the night."

Gareth McKenna, who works at the Midland Hotel, Station Road, said: . "No we are not staying open. I work long enough hours without doing that. There is only so much people can drink and only so much money they can spend. I can't see any pubs in Ilkley doing that."

The longer opening hours apply to all licensed premises, such as pubs, bars, nightclubs, discos and members clubs.

Under existing licensing laws, premises must apply to a magistrate to serve alcohol after 11pm on weekdays and 10.30pm on Sundays.

The same applies to New Year's Eve, but the change will allow most to remain open another 24 hours without having to ask a magistrate.

Minister decided to extend the drinking hours on New Year's Eve permanently following two years of successful trials.