POLICE fear plans to allow pubs to stay open until 1am to celebrate the Royal Wedding could spark trouble.

Oxfordshire police licensing officer Tony Cope said police will not know where the big gatherings will take place.

Prince William and Kate Middleton will tie the knot at Westminster Abbey in London on Friday, April 29, which has been designated an official public holiday.

The relaxing of licensing hours will allow pubs and clubs to sell alcohol, and put on live and recorded music, dancing, plays and films, until 1am on April 29 and 30.

Currently licence holders can apply for a temporary event notice if they wish to extend their opening hours.

Mr Cope, based at St Aldate’s police station, said: “From a police perspective there would be worries about a blanket extension of hours.

“Using the normal legislative means, we would at least know which licensed premises planned to stay open, with an idea of capacity.

“This would enable the effective allocation of resources. We would like to see people enjoying the Royal Wedding celebrations, but have concerns that a small minority could take advantage of a ‘blanket’ extension.”

The plans are subject to a Home Office consultation and use powers that allow the Home Secretary to relax opening hours on exceptional occasions.

Crime Prevention Minister James Brokenshire said the Royal Wedding was a “time of national celebration,” but was mindful late night drinking could bring crime and disorder. He said: “We recognise that people may want to extend their festivities to mark this important occasion, which is why we intend to allow pubs, bars, community and village halls and other licensed venues to open later. We are also limiting the order to the Friday and Saturday as these are the days when people are most likely to want to celebrate.”

There are about 800 licensed premises in the county and 150 or so have a licence past midnight.

Bal Gill, who took over at the Abingdon Arms in Beckley recently and now runs three pubs, said: “We are a village pub so I don’t think it will cause us any problems for us. It’s a good thing for the public, I imagine we will be open late.”

The consultation period ends on January 26.