New licensing laws come into force this week giving drinkers in Chorley increased choice - whether it be a pint before breakfast or a nightcap before bedtime.

Despite fears of increased public disorder, some landlords have applied to extend their hours of opening, but none in Chorley have gone for 24-hour drinking.

Some 400 premises applied to Chorley Borough Council for licences to open after 11pm, including food takeaways.

Many premises will now be able to serve alcohol until midnight Monday to Thursday, and 1am or 2am on Friday and Saturday.

Two supermarkets, Tesco on Foxhole Road and Asda, Clayton Green, have been granted permission to sell alcohol around the clock.

Councillor Ralph Snape, who chairs the council's licensing committee said: "The majority of changes to opening hours are just an hour or two a day.

"We are not having 24-hour opening and I think almost all of the pubs and clubs would not want that anyway.

"Many premises in the town centre have had later closing times for several years anyway, so I can't see big changes happening there."

The changes have been welcomed by one pub landlord, who plans to open at 9am to pick up on the breakfast and early morning trade.

David Hamer, who runs the Fox and Grapes in Chapel Street, is also chairman of Chorley Pubwatch. He said: "It's high time these changes were introduced. I and many other licensees have been pressing for more flexibility for years.

"I plan to serve breakfasts and the bar will be open for a full range of alcoholic drinks."

Mr Hamer is celebrating the start of the new regulations by having a free bucks fizz and bacon roll party at the Fox and Grapes from 9am tomorrow (Thursday).

"I think people are responsible enough to drink sensibly and the new legislation will allow people to have more choice," he added.

Inspector Ian Roberts, of Chorley Police, said: "Nationally there have only 240 pubs, bars and night clubs applying to stay open all night. There are no such applications in the Chorley area.

"People will not see a great change, with the latest pub being open at weekend being 2.30am, and Applejax till 3am.

"The Government has made funds available to ensure that there is no increase in anti-social behaviour.

"We will be putting more uniformed patrols on the streets during the weekend evenings on the run up to Christmas.

"Those intent on excessive drinking should think about the effect an £80 on-the-spot fine will have on their festive holiday."