PUB landlords across Southampton have decided against extending opening hours over the New Year period despite government permission to stay open for up to a day and a half.

Many seasoned revellers who usually begin drinking from 11am today -- New Year's Eve -- were hoping to go on until 11pm tomorrow under special licensing arrangements announced earlier this month.

The government said they would consider giving the same freedom to landlords every New Year if the extended hours proved a hit.

However, most staff in pubs and bars around the city will stop pulling pints at or before 2am tomorrow.

Jo Barnes, deputy manager of Brannagan's in the High Street, said that as most pubs had live entertainment booked for today, drinkers would be left to drink in silence after 1 or 2am if opening hours were extended.

She said: "We are holding a ticket-only event until 1am and are expecting 1200 people. Our live entertainment licence only runs until 1am and I wouldn't want to be at a party with no music. It would become very boring."

Elton Riches, manager of Bar Centro in Above Bar, said staff would be going on a boat trip after shutting today at 10pm.

He said: "There may be the option of opening for 36 hours but who in their right mind wants to drink for that long? I think most people will have had enough by 3am tomorrow.

"Money isn't everything, and we just thought it would be a good idea to do something out of the ordinary ourselves."

Hampshire Police, Southampton City Council and residents can still stop pubs opening all hours if they can convince a magistrate that there could be disorder or a disturbance.

Sgt Dave Daniels, of Shirley police, said the police are liaising closely with landlords over their opening hour plans for the New Year.

He said: "There will be enhanced officer coverage across the city, not because we are expecting trouble but due to New Year's Eve being the most popular night to go out on. Opening hours are a matter for each individual landlord."

A spokesman for Alcohol Concern said: "We would not imagine thousands of people are going to take advantage of 36-hour opening.

"But drink companies should make sure there is adequate transport and a reasonable supply of food, soft drinks and coffee."