EAST Lancashire will be able to raise an extra glass to the Queen on her Golden Jubilee after new extended licensing hours were announced by the government today.

Pubs and clubs will be able to open for an extra two hours from 11pm on Monday June 3 to 1am on Tuesday June 4.

The news received a positive response from landlords across the area -- and an appeal for similar extensions during the World Cup in June.

Derek Haworth from the Blackburn Licensing Victuallers' Association, and landlord of the Fox and Hounds in Ewood, Blackburn, said: "I think this extension is a very good thing and takes the pressure off licensees. People want to come out and have a good time and enjoy themselves.

"As Jubilees don't come around very often I think it is a very good idea to celebrate it in this way."

He added: "I just hope the licensing authorities will come round now and let us serve pints when the World Cup is on."

A spokesperson for Blackburn magistrates licensing section: "We are unable to comment with regards to the Golden Jubilee licensing extension."

Phil Knight, owner of Keystreet in Clitheroe, said: "We have a special late licence to stay open until midnight anyway, but we will be applying for the extra late licence for the Golden Jubilee.

"I think it is a great idea and hope the people of Clitheroe will come down and help us celebrate the occasion."

Kim Howells, minister for licensing, said: "The Queen's Golden Jubilee is an important national occasion. That is why it is right that citizens and visitors alike should have greater freedom to choose how and when to celebrate.

"Longer opening hours is good news for consumers and industry and the Government is pleased to do its bit to help the industry give their customers what they want."

The order provides that the police, local authorities and local residents have the right to seek restriction orders from their local magistrates' court. If granted, these orders will prevent premises likely to cause disorder or disturbance from benefiting from the longer hours.

Five days notice of making an application must be given.

Under the Licensing Act 1964, the permitted hours for the sale of alcohol in England and Wales in on-licensed premises end at 11pm on weekdays and 10.30pm on Sundays.

If pub and bar owners wish to open longer on special occasions they are required to make an application to the magistrates for a special order exemption.

Last week, magistrates' licensing powers came into force when pub owners in the Burnley area were given the go ahead to serve pints at breakfast during the World Cup matches, although .

In Blackburn England supporters in Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley were banned from early drinking.

But Mr Haworth said the choice of opening should be left up to individual licensees, as it was on New Year's Eve.