A BUSY York pub which applied to stay open as late as 5.30am faces a series of staunch objections when its application for extended hours is heard next week.

Reflex, in George Hudson Street, has requested permission to sell drink until 2am on Sundays to Thursdays, and 3am on Fridays and Saturdays. But its application has met with opposition from the police, the fire service, the Environmental Protection Unit, a nearby hotel and local residents.

The bar had also originally requested to stay open until 4am on race days, and wanted a further two hours on St Patrick's Day, Hallowe'en, Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, and December 27, 28 and 30.

It could have meant that when these days fell on a Friday or Saturday, the bar would be able to remain open until 5.30am.

But following objections by North Yorkshire Police, Reflex has reduced its requested extension to one hour, and says it will never open beyond 3.30am.

The police say the changes would lead to increased crime and disorder, and exacerbate the problems of excessive drinking and nuisance.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service have also objected, raising concerns about the bar's fire safety measures.

The Environmental Protection Unit says the changes would lead to increased noise and litter problems.

Dale Needham, general manager of the Ramada Encore Hotel in Micklegate, said the changes would result in more antisocial behaviour at a more antisocial time of the day.

Two residents have also objected to the application, which will be heard at The Guildhall next Monday, at 10am.

Meanwhile, The Lord Collingwood, in Upper Poppleton has got the go-ahead for new hours, after police objections were withdrawn.

The pub can now stay open until midnight on Wednesday to Saturday and 11.30pm on Sunday.

The original application also requested additional hours on 20 unspecified occasions a year and for televised sport.

Police objected on public nuisance grounds, but withdrew their objection when it emerged the request was not intended for the Lord Collingwood.

The pub's owners submitted one application for all their premises.

But licensee Pat Mahon, never wanted the extra provisions.

Further confusion arose when a parish councillor's personal objections were mistakenly regarded as being representative of the entire parish council.

Speaking after the licensing meeting, Mrs Mahon said: "I have been a licensee for 38 years, so have vast experience in this business, and there is no way I would run a rowdy pub.

"It will be good to get back to providing a peaceful atmosphere for my customers to enjoy a meal and a drink."

Updated: 10:14 Tuesday, July 12, 2005