NEW Year's Eve revellers will once again be able to enjoy 36 hours of uninterrupted drinking in Worcester, thanks to special licensing arrangements.

In theory, drinkers will have been able to raise their first glass at 11am today and not have to put one down until 11.30pm on Thursday, January 2.

But, in reality, those pubs that decide to stay open longer than normal will sell tickets for a private party or have to employ door "bouncers".

"Licensed premises will be allowed to open 36 hours, but it is going to be controlled," said Mike Stevens, chairman of the Worcestershire Licensed Victuallers' Association.

The deregulation has been in place for the previous two New Year's celebrations and Mr Stevens said it would be good for business and for law and order.

"People will in licensed premises where they can be regularly monitored and won't be wandering around the streets. This is when potential conflicts can occur," he said.

"People shouldn't think they will be able to wander into somewhere in the small hours of the morning.

"A lot of places will set a time and close the doors after that. Other places will have door staff so people who aren't behaving themselves, or should not have any more to drink, won't be allowed in."

Mr Steven's own pub, Toby's Tavern in Sansome Street, will be holding a private party tonight.

Drinkers in Worcestershire will also have a further half-an-hour to sup their pints on Thursday after the LVA applied for the extra time.

"But after 36 hours, half-an-hour doesn't make much of a difference," said Mr Stevens.

Worcester police said it had experience of the 36-hour opening.

"The benefits, as far as I see them, should be a staggered and more orderly dispersal away from licensed premises and a decrease in numbers of people in hot spot areas, such as Angel Place," said Peter Hughes, of Worcester police's licensing team.