THE first step towards 24-hour pub opening will be taken today as local authorities take on responsibility for issuing licences.

Pubs are now able to apply for all-night licences, although these will not be effective until the act comes into force in November.

The transfer of licensing power from magistrates to councils is estimated to cost Bournemouth taxpayers £300,000 and Poole taxpayers £106,000 in the next financial year.

But Poole's principal licensing officer, Frank Wenzel, said the new role will give more flexibility to residents affected by pubs and clubs on their doorsteps.

"Unlike the existing system of public entertainment licences, where you have to wait for the anniversary of the licence, members of the public can ask for a review of the licence at any time," he said. "If they want to request a representation, the objection has to relate to the four core points in the licensing act - public safety, public nuisance, crime and disorder and protection of children from harm."

As set licensing hours are abolished, the councils' licensing committees will be able to impose shorter licensing hours, to recommend the manager of a problem pub is dismissed, or to close particularly bad establishments temporarily.

Mr Wenzel said Poole's licensing committee is looking at considering applications from 600 premises in the first six months after it starts issuing the extended licences in November.

Although he does not believe the majority of pubs will want to open 24-hours, they may apply for extensions, giving them flexibility to screen early-hour sports matches from abroad.

"Firstly, the trade's not there in Poole for 24-hour licensing, and secondly, the cost to them of having to staff premises for 24 hours is probably going to be too high," he said.

Magistrates will still issue licences between now and November, but anyone who wants a new or extended licence to come into force after then must go to the council.

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