THE go-ahead for pubs to stay open all night, allowing millennium revellers to celebrate for 36 hours non stop, has received a mixed reaction in Craven.

The Government's decision to relax licensing laws and enable pubs to stay open throughout New Year's Eve, returning to normal times at 11pm on New Year's Day, met with little enthusiasm from many local landlords.

"I think the Government is making a big mistake," said Eric Howe, manager of the Black Horse in Skipton,

He added that his establishment was not a 36 hour drinking den and that was not the sort of image they wanted to portray.

Bob Williamson, of the town's Fleece pub, said there was no way he would open for that length of time.

"It just won't be viable at all. I have been here too long to mess about with these silly hours," he added

And Louise Caunt of the Narrow Boat in Victoria Street, Skipton, said they would not be opening for the full 36 hours, adding that half of her staff were refusing to work.

One pub that is planning to open all night is Skipton's Rose and Crown. Landlord Kevin Lycett said there would be no ripping off of prices and if the staff wanted too much money, he himself and his wife would work themselves.

"You have got to get the best business when you can," he added.

Tony Hodgson, from Skipton's Royal Shepherd, echoed the sentiments, commenting: "We have to consider it because business is business."

GMB, Britain's general union, reacted to the news on Wednesday, its London regional secretary Paul Kennedy commenting: "Employers should seek volunteers to cover these hours and pay them properly. The going rate is treble time plus a flat rate payment of £100 for a shift."

But no amount of money would make Mandy Beckwith, assistant to the landlady at the Red Lion, Skipton, want to work on New Year's Eve.

"I would not want to work at that time at all, not for any amount of money," she said.

Meanwhile, the Slaters Arms in Bradley is considering the issue seriously, but has made no decision as yet.

The Government's decision will come into effect in time for the millennium celebrations and will apply to subsequent New Year's Eves.

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