A TRADITIONAL pub in a York residential area is seeking permission to stay open until as late as 1am as the licensing revolution gathers pace.

The Swan in Bishopgate Street, Clementhorpe, also wants to extend its drinking-up time from 20 to 30 minutes.

News of the application to City of York Council comes after the Evening Press revealed earlier this week that pub chain Wetherspoon wants to keep the Postern Gate pub in Piccadilly open until 2am - or 3am on some occasions - and also to open as early as 7am.

The applications are being made under the new Licensing Act.

The Swan shuts most nights at 11pm, but wants in future to open until midnight on Thursdays, and until 1am on Friday and Saturday nights.

Licensee Pete McNichol said: "I know we are one of the first to do this. I just wanted to get it in before Ascot and summer."

He said the application would not lead to boozy nights spilling into the early hours at The Swan.

"If people want to booze until 3am they have to look at going to a nightclub rather than a little corner pub. We don't want to fill that market. We just want a slightly less rushed finishing time, especially in summer. People still only have a certain amount of disposable income to spend on alcohol. They still have mortgages and electric bills to pay."

The council says people have until May 7 to make comments on the Swan application, which must appertain to at least one of four licensing objectives, including the prevention of crime, disorder and nuisance.

The application for the Swan has been made by its owners, Punch Taverns plc. The hours would apply to the sale of alcohol, recorded music and live music limited to two entertainers.

A spokesperson from Punch Taverns said: "We are working with all our licensees across the country to complete new style personal and premises licence applications, plus submit any requests for extended opening hours. Practically none of our pubs have expressed any interest in opening 'around the clock'. Some do believe they would benefit from an additional hour or two of trading on their busiest days.

"These include the Swan, which has decided to apply for small extensions in this way.

"That's not to say the licensee intends to open longer week in, week out.

"A successful application would give him the option for additional trading as required.

"The secret is to carefully consider the needs of each pub business individually - its product offering, customer base and location - and plan accordingly."

Updated: 10:13 Friday, April 29, 2005