THE headquarters of Durham County Council is seeking a drinks licence until 2am.

County Hall, at Aykley Heads, Durham, has a bar and also stages functions, including weddings.

Its current licence runs from 11am to 11pm but, as part of its application for a new-style licence, it is seeking an extension until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, including on Bank Holiday weekends.

A council spokesman said the extra hours were being sought in case they were needed for a function such as a wedding party.

"It is just a measure we are looking at so that, if the occasion arises, we don't have to go back to court to get a specific licence for a specific occasion.

"It is there as a service to the public. It is not for council functions, it is for when County Hall is hired for private functions. It is not something we expect to use a lot."

Roger Cornwell, chairman of the City of Durham Trust, said: "If they just want it for occasional events, we would want it restricted to that, rather than be given carte blanche.

"It is a seat of government, not a pub and I would hope they have a responsible attitude.

He said that the County Hall bar last year stopped serving alcohol at lunchtimes as part of a drive against substance misuse.

He said that it was "a little surprising they are trying to go for a 2am licence" but added that the trust had not yet decided whether to object to Durham City Council, which will decide the application.