DRINKERS in Ipswich will be able to salute St George later in to the night tonight.The Milestone Pub has been second time lucky after being successful in its bid to open late at night.

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DRINKERS in Ipswich will be able to salute St George later in to the night tonight.

The Milestone Pub has been second time lucky after being successful in its bid to open late at night, hitting the headlines in 1999 after being granted an opening extension for St. Patrick's Day but refused one for St. George's Day.

But the licence extension at the Woodbridge Road pub has highlighted inconsitencies across the country and drinkers in Colchester have not been so lucky.

Essex magistrates refused to grant an extension to Colchester town pub the Wig and Pen because they did not recognise it as a special occasion.

The pub had planned a whole day of events – even changing their name to the George and Dragon – but their bid was still turned down.

However an Irish pub further along the road was granted an extension for St. Patrick's Day.

Ady Smith, who has been landlord at The Milestone for five years, has been successful this time round – with the pub opening until midnight.

He said: "I am pleased that Ipswich magistrates have seen sense but it shows the inconsistency in the licensing laws around the country.

"Having been in the same situation I am very disappointed for the licensee and I think the day should be made a national bank holiday."