The council would let bars open for an extra hour on certain days

Dundee City Council has invited licensees to apply to extend closing times from 0000 GMT to 0100 GMT.

Ninewells consultant Neil Nichol believes that will increase problems for emergency staff.

The council said it recognises drunk people can cause difficulties but feels sensible locals should not be punished.

The opening hours extension would apply on the usual public holidays plus the weekend that Dundee United are playing in the CIS Cup final.

Mr Nicol said: "We see people who have been assaulted, or fallen over, they've pulped their faces or had their faces kicked and punched, they may have vomited, taken overdoses, may have walked in front of cars.

"They're regularly abusive and cause our staff huge problems in managing their behaviour to the detriment of other patients with non-alcohol related problems.

"The licensing officials who doubtless do most of their business in council chambers in a controlled environment don't have to face intoxicated patients and their friends and relatives demanding instant attention for trivial problems.

I don't see why the sensible citizens of the city should be penalised John Letford Lord Provost

"They don't have to suffer the threat of physical violence and the very common verbal abuse that everyone gets from reception staff to nurses and medical staff."

Dundee Lord Provost, and chairman of the licensing board, John Letford, told the BBC Scotland news website that he sympathised with NHS workers and had even witnessed a drunk person causing problems in hospital.

"They do have a very difficult job in handling that type of thing and I think they need more help with security," he said.

"On a personal basis I would prioritise - put the people like that at the bottom of the heap.

"However, we have to strike a balance here, these special events - the two that I had to deal with was the CIS Cup final and the Six Nations group - I don't see why the sensible citizens of the city should be penalised.

"And I know that these events and the opportunity for socialising is a desirable thing as far as they're concerned and there's no way I would want to restrict that."