THE prospect of more Winchester city centre pubs opening into the early hours looms larger.

A survey has revealed that several pubs want to open longer when new licensing laws start in November.

City centre residents and amenity groups are fearful that it will lead to increased drunkenness and noise pollution.

Three out of nine central pubs confirmed they will apply for extended opening hours.

Blonde Beer Caf, the Eclipse Inn and The Old Market Inn said they would apply to open later.

The Old Vine and The Royal Oak said "no" to an extension. Moloko and The Porthouse said they were undecided.

The Porthouse and Savannah, already open late at the weekends.

Sarah Kingston, licensee at the Eclipse, said: "It would be for another hour on Friday and Saturdays, so it would be more relaxed for our customers rather than chasing them out at 11.20pm.

"But we don't know yet what sort of conditions the council are going to stipulate, such as doormen and limits on numbers," she added.

Winchester City Council took over the licensing of 500 premises on February 7.

George Hollingbery, the Tory prospective parliamentary candidate, who carried out the survey, said: "This shows that more pubs will be open later in the city centre possibly by the end of the year.

"But it falls short of the prospect of 24-hour drinking which I don't think will come to the city.

"Unfortunately more bars open for more hours raises the fear of more antisocial behaviour and violence."

Mr Hollingbery added: "The city council should think very carefully about late opening for the sake of residents who are already suffering from trouble at the weekends. Winchester is already saturated with enough pubs that open late."

City councillor Robert Johnston, chairman of the licensing and regulation committee, stressed the new act does not automatically permit 24-hour drinking.

Cllr Johnston said: "Any licensee who wants to extend their hours will have to apply to the council and must set out in their application the steps they will take to deal with problems that may arise.

"We will carefully examine all applications to strike a balance between the benefits offered by licensed premises and the interest of local residents who may be affected."