More drinking on Sundays

The Government has announced changes to Sunday licensing laws and additional proposals for the relaxation of drinking hours on New Year's Eve.

The Deregulation (Sunday Licensing) Order 2001 came into effect last week and allows restaurants, registered members clubs, nightclubs and casinos to apply for a Sunday extension until 12.30am on Mondays or 2am (3am in London) when the following Monday is a bank holiday.

Previously, Sunday licensing hours could be extended only on special occasions such as New Year's Eve or Christmas Day.

The Home Office has also issued proposals to extend drinking hours on the forthcoming New Year's Eve and the 2002 Queen's Golden Jubilee.

The document suggests relaxing the normal limit on opening hours on New Year's Eve this year as a test for future celebrations. For the Jubilee, closing time may be extended to 1am.

Home Office minister Mike O'Brien said: "Licensing reform is high on our agenda but, while the current laws are still in place, we want to try to introduce some limited flexibility using existing legislation."