COUNCIL and fire chiefs in York are urging the Government to rethink legislation which would allow hundreds of drinkers to party non-stop for four days.

Under the 2003 Licensing Act, to come into force on November 24, councils can issue Temporary Event Notices for gatherings lasting up to 96 hours with as many as 499 guests.

The scheme replaces the old system where magistrates issued alcohol licences, imposing conditions as they saw fit.

Now, the police are the only body able to object to events requesting a temporary notice - and then solely on crime and disorder grounds.

The revelation has sparked fears of raves and festivals lasting for days - with bodies such as the fire service or local authority unable to lodge objections beforehand.

John Lacy, acting licensing manager at City of York Council, said: "As a council, it gives us grave concern because although the police can object on the grounds of crime and disorder, no objection can be given on the grounds of prevention of noise nuisance.

"This could make it difficult for councils to protect local residents in this city in relation to public nuisance.

"What we do want is a light touch and less bureaucracy for garden fetes."

The council was appealing to the Government to allow a longer consultation period before each temporary event notice, and for more people to be consulted, he said.

York fire chief Graham Buckle said firefighters would also be lobbying the Government to change its proposals.

A spokeswoman for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said the new notices would not give an applicant "carte blanche to do whatever they like".

"The law of the land regarding crime, noise, disturbance and anti-social behaviour still applies," she said.

"Once the 2003 Licensing Act comes into effect, police powers to close a premise where there is disorder will be extended to temporary events.

"New powers will also become available to the police and environmental health officers to close temporary events that are causing excessive noise nuisance.

"The police must be notified of every temporary event and can raise objections.

"There are also limits on the number, duration and size of events that can take place on the same premises to minimise the risk of nuisance to residents."

Updated: 10:36 Friday, October 07, 2005