PUBS and clubs across Hampshire could be open around the clock after a licensing law shake-up by the government.

Councils across the county are drafting policies that could see nightspots given 24-hour licences.

As part of the new laws, which were ratified by Parliament in July, the job of granting licences to a range of venues is to be transferred from the magistrates court to local councils.

It means a change to the way licences are granted and the opportunity for councils to approve longer opening hours.

Preparations are under way to open up the proposals to residents in a bid to gauge public opinion.

While regulatory officials at Southampton, Eastleigh and New Forest councils are waiting for more government guidance, several authorities are pressing ahead with draft proposals.

Fareham and Gosport councils are leading the way by setting up forums for interested parties and arranging consultation periods planned for October.

Officials in Winchester are planning to host a series of public meetings in November.

Garry White, head of health and regulatory services in Fareham, said: "This is a very big shake-up that will mean a significant change to many areas of licensing premises, not just the pubs and clubs but for sporting and entertainment venues, one-off events and so on.

"The 24-hour licence is an option but we don't want to be alarmist.

"There are four areas that the council in partnership with the police and other agencies must

consider before granting a licence, including; public nuisance, crime and disorder, public safety and safety and access of children before granting any such licence.

"I don't think we can expect to see many 24-hour licences, not least because businesses themselves won't want to stay open around the clock because of the cost of it."

Chairman of Gosport's regulatory board, Ken Searle, said staggered opening hours could mean less pressure for the police.

"The view of many is that pubs operating a 24-hour licence actually suffer less problems than those operating a normal closing time because people drift off when they've had enough instead of everyone being ejected at the same time."