City pub is first to get 24-hour licence

A Victorian pub in the heart of the City has made licensing history.

The Swan Tavern - a regular haunt of stockbrokers and bankers - has been granted what is believed to be the first 24-hour licence in the country by the Corporation of London. It is thought to be the first pub to benefit from extended opening hours made possible by the Licensing Act which came into force earlier this year.

Pub licensee Adam Pattinson said he was "ecstatic"-about the prospect. Last night drinkers at the pub were also pleased, but added they hoped the move would not attract an "unsuitable" element of binge drinkers.

The Swan Tavern's location in a non-residential area meant there were no objections from members of the public to the application. Its landlords must notify the City of London Police and the Corporation of London when the pub, which is squeezed between two modern office blocks, plans to open earlier or later.

According to Mr Pattinson, 35, who has run the pub with his wife Jackie, 34, for three years, it is unlikely to stay open for 24 hours every day.

He said: "It gives us the freedom to run our business and not be tied to hours which are sometimes inappropriate."

Mr Pattinson added some days the pub is empty by 9.30pm when it will close.