REVELLERS are preparing for a round-the-clock party with the news that pubs and clubs in Bolton can remain open for 36 hours during the New Year celebrations.

Licensing Minister Kim Howells has revealed special new orders giving pubs and clubs the opportunity to open from 11am on New Year's Eve to 11pm on New Year's Day.

Police, Bolton Council and local residents can apply for orders blocking applications for late licences at venues deemed likely to cause "disorder or disturbance".

But today Bolton Council chiefs hailed the news as a significant step towards adopting continental-style opening hours.

Cllr Frank White said: "It seems to work on the continent and if people behave accordingly, this could be a step forward to it working here.

"I think this is another tentative step to see if Britain is ready for the European and Continental experience of having fully deregulated licensing laws."

If the scheme proves a success, party-goers could enjoy late New Year's Eve drinking in Bolton for years to come.

Government Licensing Minister Kim Howells said: "This is good news for both consumers and the industry. The impact will be monitored and if successful, the Government will consider seeking a permanent change affecting all future New Years' Eves'."

The news of an extra 12 hours drinking time has been welcomed by Bolton's publicans.

John Jewett, landlord at Ye Olde Man and Scythe in Churchgate, was happy with the changes but claimed town centre pubs might not benefit during New Year's Day.

He said: "The town centre on New Year's Day is like a ghost town anyway, but I am sure there will be many places in Bolton where this will be ideal. I welcome the change in the law to let people do what they want."

And Anthony Wildgoose, manager at one of Bolton's newest and largest pubs, The Goose in Deansgate, said: "I know for a fact that if The Goose gets 36 hours it will not be constantly open. It will not be viable staff-wise. But obviously I welcome the news as more customers is obviously better for business and better for them."

The move has also been welcomed by landlords in communities away from the town centre nightlife.

Trevor Speakman, landlord at the Black Bull in Bolton Road, Edgworth, said: "I think it is about time that the law is changed and is more flexible. People want to enjoy themselves."

The Vicar of Bolton, Canon Michael Williams, also backed the extension to opening hours saying it would enable drinkers to pace themselves.

"In a sense I am quite relaxed about it. I have talked it through with publicans and their view is that strict opening times make people drink faster," he said.

The Regulatory Reform (Special Occasions Licensing) Order 2001 was announced by Licensing Minister Kim Howells on Friday.

Applications must be registered five days before the New Year holiday. Any restriction orders will be granted by Bolton Magistrates' Court.

Mr Howells added: "Longer opening hours will give consumers more freedom to choose how and when to celebrate New Year's Eve and it will give the industry the chance to give the customers what they want."

Cllr White added: "There is a lot to be gained having relaxed licensing laws, as it means greater choice -- but with that choice comes greater responsibility."

The order has also been welcomed by the British Tourist Authority, the British Beer and Pub Association and CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale. Opening hours were extended for New Year's Eve last year to mark the Millennium.

What do you think about the relaxed opening times? Write to the Letters Editor, Bolton Evening News, Newspaper House, Churchgate, Bolton, BL1 1DE or email lynna@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk