LICENSING chiefs are not expecting 24-hour-a-day drinking in Bromsgrove.

Three hundred pubs, clubs, village hall and other licensed premises can now apply to extend hours to include round the clock drinking.

But Sharon Smith, licensing officer, for Bromsgrove District Council, is not expecting non-stop boozing in the town.

"All the indications are that a number of licensees will want to open for longer, especially at the weekends and towards the end of the week but we are not expecting any applications for 24 hour drinking," she said.

This is based upon information supplied by the Beer and Pub Association in the area.

The new drinking hours are expected to come into force later in the year with the expected date being November 7 but confirmation from the Government is still needed.

Licensees wanting to change their hours will have to complete and submit an application form. This will need to include details of consultation with bodies concerned with planning, environmental health and police and fire services.

They are also required to advertise any planned changes in the local Press and on the premises.

"There is an extensive application procedure and a 28-day period for anyone concerned to register objections," said Sharon Smith. "If there are no objections then we will grant the license but if anyone is opposed the application will have to be determined by the licensing committee."

Licenses for premises are issued for an unlimited period of time but individuals are only licensed for 10 years.

Premises with a license for 24-hour drinking will not be obliged to open all day but will have the option.