POLICE fear a flood of applications from pubs seeking to open until 2am, if permission is granted today for two new late licences.

The Bacchaus Bar, in Houndgate, and Yates Wine Lodge, in Skinnergate, both Darlington, have applied to Darlington Borough Council for permission to change their opening hours.

But there are concerns that business and residents in Darlington town centre would suffer from noise and litter if the pubs were allowed to open late every Sunday.

The applications follow a recent Government Deregulation Order allowing premises with the relevant drinks and entertainment licences to stay open until 2am on Sundays before Bank Holidays.

The Bacchaus Bar wants to open until 12.30am on Monday mornings and 2.30am on Bank Holiday Mondays, except at Easter, while Yates wants permission to stay open until 12.30am on Monday mornings.

Chief Inspector Peter Davis of Darlington police has written to the council to object to the Bank Holiday openings.

He has claimed that neither pub has the relevant licences to open late on normal Sundays and should not be allowed to operate late on a Bank Holiday.

He said: "Other licensed premises have made inquiries regarding similar proposals. These have not been pursued after I made my objections clear.

"If variations were granted to Yates Wine Bar and Bacchaus Bar there would clearly be a flood of applications from other licensed premises.

"Residents, and owners of commercial premises would then face the prospect of potentially 30 licensed premises opening until 2am. I would have grave misgivings about the consequences for the wellbeing of Darlington town centre should this take place."

The council has received an objection from people living near to The Bacchaus Bar.

John Buxton, the director of development and environment at the council said: "The occupier of the adjourning residential flat to Bacchaus was interviewed and stated that noise from the premises affected him, particularly patrons entering and leaving.

"He has accepted midnight closing Thursday to Sunday but would object to opening six nights a week, or the applicant to vary the hours on a Sunday until 12.30am."

The council will decide on the applications today