Ipswich pub landlords do not believe the government's plans to extend opening hours will do much to boost their trade.
Sir Kier Starmer recently said the current rules around licensing, which provide framework for how long pubs can stay open, what music they play and serving food, will be tweaked to remove barriers for pubs.
He said: "Pubs and bars are the beating heart of our communities. Under our Plan for Change, we’re backing them to thrive.
"This review is about cutting red tape, boosting footfall, and making it easier for venues to put on the kind of events that bring people together. When our locals do well, our economy does too."
However, Steven Wells of the Shamrock in Ipswich said that whilst the move is good news, it is not the "magic wand" the government think it might be.
He said: "It's nice to have that option there of opening later, but we are one of the latest closing pubs already so this is better for when we have private functions or events.
"That being said, its more of a headline grabber than a problem solver, it isn't exactly a magic wand.
"The sentiment is there but the way to stimulate pubs and keep them going is to cut business rates".
This is echoed by Vanessa Clarke, one of the managers at the Greyhound in Henley Road, who said that the change wouldn't have much of an impact on the business.
She said: "Generally speaking we aren't throwing a lot of people out when its gets to 11pm, we don't have a lot of younger drinkers who are there at that time.
"Being in a residential area we want to try and limit the amount of noise coming from the pub and beer garden.
"Whilst it should be good for some pubs more in the town centre, it wouldn't make sense for us.
"Opening for an hour also means more costs, wages, energy, heating and everything else."
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