THE biggest test of new licensing laws happens this weekend - when the booze can flow 24 hours a day.

Controversial reforms of the Licensing Act see a major change from tomorrow. And that means a busy weekend for Lancaster licensing bosses.

"We will be out in force but I don't anticipate too many problems," says city council licensing manager Andrew Bartlett.

"It's a big change for everyone but most things seem to have run smoothly - though I have no doubt that we will have the odd issue arising."

The new legislation, which allows some pubs and clubs to open all day and night, is an acid test for police.

"We don't know what to expect. I am sure there will be a novelty value at first so we will be monitoring the impact on crime and disorder and there will be high visability policing throughout the district," says Sgt Andy Williams.

In another twist, sting operations aimed at under-age drinking start this weekend.