A southend seafront pub is applying for a licence to serve alcohol for 20 hours a day, from 7am to 3am.

The Liberty Belle in Marine Parade is one of the first pubs in the town to seek extended hours under controversial new laws.

But its owners have a battle on their hands as police have made it clear they will fight against extended pub hours. Yesterday they successfully opposed a bid for longer hours by the Falcon, also in Marine Parade.

The Liberty Belle has applied for an entertainment licence until 3am, with an additional 30 minutes "winding down" time.

Landlord Barry Boardman, who is teetotal, said: "I would like this for special occasions.

"I would normally close at 1am and I wouldn't take in people who had been drinking all day. I would only open at 7am for something like a rugby match."

Mr Boardman, who is teetoltal, added: "I'm a responsible landlord - I have only had to call the police once in 20 years. People should be able to drink when they like.

"What's the point in the Government bringing in these new laws if the police are going to oppose them?"

A police spokesman said they had yet to consider the application.