Pubs and bars looking to extend their opening hours have been accused of exploiting the new licensing laws to boost profits.

North West regional director of public health, Professor Dr John Ashton, has accused the alcohol industry of wanting to promote a binge drinking culture with many premises submitting applications to stay open longer, often by one or two hours.

In Preston, 90 per cent of the pubs and clubs have applied to vary their opening times and there have been two 24-hour licence applications, from Finney's Sports Bar, off Deepdale Road, and the Cotty Brook, Lea. An application for a 24-hour drinks licence for the Asda store in Fulwood has already been approved.

In South Ribble, of the 231 licence applications submitted, 97 have been variations including a request for a 24-hour licence from Tesco Extra, Towngate, and applications to extend drinking times at four nearby licensed pubs and two clubs.

"The drinks industry is using the new freedoms to move pub closing times one or two hours later," said Prof Ashton.

"We will still see pubs and bars closing at roughly the same time as each other, but an hour or so later and people will spill out onto the streets as they do now but with larger quantities of alcohol consumed. This is a recipe for disaster."

The new licensing system was defended, by Mike Thorpe, head of licensing at Preston City Council.

He said: "Unlike the old system, our new licensing sub-committee can review licenses at any time and change things."

Councillor Howard Gore, leader of South Ribble council, added: "Every application is judged on its individual merits.

"We work closely with the police and other public bodies when we determine applications. Interested parties, including the police and public health bodies, are encouraged to submit objections which will be considered."