By Nigel Cassidy BBC News business reporter

Landlords fear people might complain

But he would like to keep his pub, the Kings Arms, near London Bridge, open for an hour or so later on some weeknights.

Yet, in common with most licensees , he has not yet put in his application in.

Just six have been filed with Westminster City Council, and to date none at all in Liverpool or Manchester.

"Many pub owners are nervous and are waiting to see how their local authorities play it," says Mr Sharp who is also an official with the trade body the Guild of Master Victuallers.

"They think, wrongly, if they get their bid in they can't withdraw or change it."

So although the new Licensing Act, which is now in force, was supposed to be the biggest-ever change in our antiquated drinking laws, not one bar anywhere has applied for 24-hour opening.

Ammunition

What seems to be driving landlords nervousness is all the attention that has been given to rowdy, anti social behaviour by young drinkers in some city centres.

In the end, it's a fact of life that local residents have more votes than publicans Tony Arbour, leader of Richmond Council

Even in areas with no history of trouble, licencees are anxious that their applications will trigger a string of objections to longer hours, not only from neighbours, but from the local councillors who the government is making responsible for future licensing.

The 2003 Licensing Act may allow more flexibility, but it also gives local people more ammunition to tackle offending pubs.

Simply by writing to a council, you can force it to hold a hearing into whether a bar should be allowed to open late.

Staggered drinking

But will councils manage to come to balanced decisions?

A relaxed, continental style approach seems far away

One local authority in south-west London, Wandsworth, is offering in its latest newsletter to set up email alerts, informing rate payers of any late night applications so they can send in their views.

Andy King, licensee of the Spotted Dog in Wandsworth town centre, thinks this is over the top.

"All we are trying to do is give people choice," he says.

"People would be able to have a meal at home and maybe come out for a drink later; it would just help stagger peoples' drinking. "

More votes

Wandsworth Council points out that if a bar's application for later hours meets with no local objections, the law says it must be approved.

Tony Arbour, leader of Richmond Council who is prominent in the debate.

He says that local councils never asked for these new responsibilities which they are taking very seriously.

"We are trying very hard to strike the right balance and give our towns a good early nightlife," he says.

"But in suburban areas, most people don't want a noisy, late night economy.

"In the end, it's a fact of life that local residents have more votes than publicans."

Pubs have until August to apply to local authorities for their new licenses.

But, on the present showing, the more relaxed, continental style approach to drinking hours seems as far away as ever.

Are you a pub owner? Do you plan to extend drinking hours? Or is it not worth the bother? Send us your views.

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