THREE more city centre night spots in York could soon open until the early hours every day of the week.

Revamped dance bar Nexus will effectively become the city's fifth nightclub if it is allowed to open its doors until 2am at weekends.

Bosses at nearby 1970s bar Flares hope to open until 1am from Thursdays to Saturdays.

McMillans, opposite Nexus in George Hudson Street, hopes to join the late-opening bonanza with 1am closing times from Monday to Saturday, and 12.30am on Sundays.

Peter Brownsword, licensee of Nexus and McMillans, said later hours could only mean better times for drinkers and residents alike.

The York-based businessmen have already invested £500,000 in Nexus and are poised to spend up to £400,000 transforming McMillans by the end of the year, he added.

Beverley Collins, who runs Flares, in Tanner Row, said there was plenty of demand for the extra hour, which would allow the bars to "get with the times".

Licensing officer Ashley Fitzhugh said York Police had no objection as earlier decisions to role out later hours had not seen any increased problems.

He said the changes were a "natural progression" for the night spots and that the businesses had shown a responsible attitude to implementing the changes.

Meanwhile. European-style pavement cafes could move on to neighbouring Micklegate if ideas by residents and councillors are pushed ahead.

The move could transform the historical street, once notorious for the "Micklegate Run", an alcohol-fuelled line-up of pubs and bars that left locals fuming over drunks and nuisance behaviour.

Ward councillor Sandy Fraser said the idea of pedestrianising the street and bringing in market stalls, caf bars and street entertainment was seen as a good way of invigorating the area in an attractive way.

Licensing magistrates will meet on September 4 to discuss the hours extension applications.

Updated: 09:26 Saturday, August 16, 2003