Thousands of applications were received across the region

Less than half of those went to pubs, clubs and nightclubs, research by BBC South East Today found.

The remainder included Eurotunnel, Brighton Racecourse, Leeds Castle, supermarkets and cinemas.

But a further 4,350 were given extensions to their licences, usually for an hour or two.

Research for BBC News 24 has suggested that around one third of all licensed clubs, pubs and shops in England and Wales will be able to open for longer under the new laws.

It is rare to meet drunk people leaving cafes in France Bernard Parmentier

A pub landlord in the Kent town of Maidstone, Andrew Palmer, said the old laws were "draconian".

He said: "The whole of Europe, America, the whole world really, is open until later than we are.

"There is no reason why it shouldn't be later."

And in Maidstone's twin town of Beauvais, the deputy mayor said French laws had not led to a drink-binge culture.

Bernard Parmentier said: "It is rare to meet drunk people leaving cafes in France."

He said French laws had not made people drink more than they should because they stayed longer in cafes for the welcoming atmosphere, the music and the conversation.