PUBS across York can now begin serving alcohol at 10am - thanks to new legislation pushed through by a nationwide pub chain.

The Wetherspoon group, which has two outlets in Piccadilly and Blossom Street, York, has won the right for pubs to serve drinks an hour earlier from Monday to Saturday.

Keith Pidd, who manages the Wetherspoon Postern Gate, said the extra hour was a "natural progression" and may appeal to continental tourists who are used to more relaxed drinking hours.

All Wetherspoon pubs have been opening at 10am since September for breakfasts and soft drinks, but they have been unable to serve alcohol until 11am.

Mr Pidd said: "There is certainly a demand for it as in the past people have been waiting at the bar for a drink. It's not for heavy drinking, but is just another string to the bow of what we can offer our customers."

York licensing officer Ashley Fitzhugh said the effect of earlier drinking hours would be monitored closely by officers, but he did not expect there to be any problems.

He said: "Pubs and bars which are already open for breakfasts and coffee will now be able to also serve alcohol under the regulations.

"It might be that a few locals like the idea, but the extra hour is generally aimed at continental tourists who may like to take advantage of it."

Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin said: "It's bizarre that after all the debate on drinking hours, our applications could mean an extra hour's trading for much of the country."

Frank Cartin, president of York Licensed Victuallers' Association, said the extra hour was an "opportunity" for York businesses.

He added that further licensing, which could be unveiled as early as this autumn, is expected to allow pubs to apply to be open for even longer hours.

Updated: 10:45 Saturday, February 15, 2003