EXTENDING pub opening hours will help cover costlier liquor licences, says the chairman of Kendal Licensed Victuallers.

Colin Burrow said many pubs across South Lakeland would look to extend opening hours to 1am or 2am to cover the increased cost of licences set out in the Licensing Act 2003, when it comes into force for a nine-month transitional period from Monday (Feb 7).

Landlords face paying between £100 and £635 for a licence under the new law and, thereafter, annual fees ranging between £70 and £350. Previously, smaller pubs paid around £30 for a three-year licence.

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