PUBS in East Lothian have been given some early festive cheer after licensing chiefs announced extra drinking hours over the holidays.

East Lothian Council has said that all hospitality venues will be able to stay open until 2am on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day this year, with the late last orders also available on Hogmanay and New Year’s Day.

East Lothian Provost John McMillan made the announcement at a meeting of the council’s licensing board this morning, with the extension only applying to on-sales venues.

East Lothian premises were given a general extension for two weeks over the festive period until it was scrapped four years ago at the request of the county’s licensing forum.

The forum argued that only a small number of premises took advantage of the extension outwith the main holiday dates.