POLICE in Darlington fear plans by one of the town's most popular pubs to extend its opening times could result in dozens of other nightspots trying to follow.

Yates' Wine Lodge, in Skinnergate, has applied to Darlington Borough Council for permission to open until 1am on Thursday nights. The current closing time is midnight.

Although the Fire Service, environmental health and building control officers have not objected to the plans, police and residents in the area have registered opposition.

Police object on the grounds that the extended opening would place additional demands on resources and increase the level of disorder and drink-related driving offences.

Chief Inspector Peter Davis said in a report to the licensing committee, which will consider the application on Wednesday, that if the licence was granted, other pubs would follow suit.

He said: "We have within the town a varied, lively, safe and very busy licensing sector.

"If one premises is successful in obtaining further extension to their licensing hours, then it will be extremely difficult to defend other applications that will inevitably follow, as licensees attempt to protect their market share.

"If their application is granted, the licensing committee will undoubtedly face a further 20 to 30 similar applications."

"Merely extending drinking time by one hour, the consequences are either pubs and clubs closing at times so close that potential flashpoints increase significantly, or that night clubs attempt to extend their closing times beyond 2am in order to protect their commercial interest."

Other objections to the extension application have come from nearby residents and those who own businesses close to the pub.

The council has received a protest petition from residents of Arcadia Court, Skinnergate and Friends School Yard, who fear that the extension would have a detrimental effect on their quality of life.

In his report to the committee, Chief Insp Davis said: "To alter the current status quo will affect the quality of life for local elderly residents.

"The application, if successful, will open the floodgates, increased disorder will ensue and the image of our town will suffer in consequence. I consider the application to be short-sighted.

"If the fears I have outlined above are realised, the reputation of the town centre will suffer and potential patrons will go elsewhere.

"The long-term consequence for all the licensed premises is, therefore, financial loss."