Licensees furious at council's 'bias' on applications

Licensees hoping to extend their opening hours in one London borough are furious that their local council appears to be urging residents to object.

Wandsworth Council is encouraging local people to protest against applications from pubs hoping to open later under the new laws. In a residents' newsletter the council states it will "seek to limit any extensions to opening hours".

All pub applications are being placed on the council's website. Residents can sign up to email alerts notifying them of proposals for late-night drinking.

Some licensees appear mystified by the council's stance.

Ceartan Duggan, licensee of the Balham Arms, Balham, said he was planning to apply for extended hours at the weekends.

"Wandsworth is saying we can apply for extended hours, but then listing a host of reasons why not to, suggesting we won't be given them," he said.

"It says we are entitled to apply, but is doing everything it can to encourage us not to. How licensees are supposed to have a working relationship with the council is beyond me."

Colm Lynch, tenant at the Hop Pole, Wandsworth, expects his application to face opposition. "If my competitors are granted a licence and we are not, that will definitely be an issue," he said.

But a spokesman for the council defended its position. "Publicans are welcome to apply for extended hours, and if there were no objections we would obviously allow it," he said.

"But we believe that in a residential borough like Wands-worth there isn't a need for extended drinking hours."