Pubs could be allowed to open 24 hours a day as part of a possible relaxation of the licensing laws.

There are currently proposals going through the Commons to reform the licensing act. Nothing has yet been decided but among the possibilities is longer opening hours.

Jenny Blackham, 16, on work experience at the Keighley News last week, went to the Airedale Centre in Keighley to gauge public opinion on the possibility of 24-hour opening.

Jamie Lee, a sales assistant, said: "It would be alright because I have two jobs so I would have more time to go out if the pubs were open later."

David Thornhill, 19, a rubber processor from Bracken Bank, also thought it was a good idea, though he admitted: "No one would be able to last 24 hours."

However, there were also people who did not think 24-hour opening would be a good idea.

Stephanie Spencer, 18, a student and part time sales assistant, told us "It's not a good idea because it would mean more noise early in the mornings."

Peter Baldwin, from Colne, added: "The pubs are open long enough."

Kaye Bowden, from oakworth, a supervisor in a retail store, agreed: "There is no need for them to open any longer - they are open long enough."

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