Pubs and clubs in Oxford are to be given the opportunity to serve alcohol for 36 hours during New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

But Oxford City Council, Thames Valley Police and residents could stop some venues making use of the special extended licences.

Parliament is considering giving some venues longer licensing hours during New Year celebrations.

If approved, police, councils and residents would have to apply immediately to a magistrates' court for a deregulation order to stop particular venues opening for longer.

Licensing minister Kim Howells said the longer hours would prove beneficial for traders and residents alike. He was confident there would be little trouble caused by drinkers.

He said: "I believe people will show the kind of good spirit which they exhibited last year and at the Millennium, when a similar relaxation took place and proved successful."

But Thames Valley Police said the plan might put unbearable pressure on the emergency services.

Insp Keith Henderson said: "We're concerned about its effects, particularly with regard to pressures on emergency services, and the city's infrastructure such as public transport.

"But premises have been given this opportunity before and few have taken it up.

"It's costly to employ staff for the full 36 hours, so we think it's unlikely to be popular in the city."

The temporary licence, which would extend opening hours from 11am on New Year's Eve to 11pm on New Year's Day, could be in place by Friday.

Oxford City Council said it would be unlikely to raise concerns about venues in the city staying open longer.

Oxford Magistrates' Court clerk Sue Lutter said: "We've not had problems in Oxford over the last few years, and the Millennium went incredibly well.

"But for this year it's cutting it fine.

"If people did want to bring a deregulation order, they don't have too much time."

Matt Witcher, assistant manager of the Wig and Pen in George Street, said: "We'll basically see how it goes. If we're still busy at 5am then we'll stay open.

"But if it's tailing off at 1am then we'll close.

"There's no point paying staff if there's no customers to pay us.

"Having the option is a good thing though. Not too long ago we would have had to close after midnight which often left a lot of people unhappy."

Chris Archard, assistant manager of Yates's Wine Lodge in George Street, said: "We'll be open until 2am as usual but not any later.

"I can't see it being beneficial because after then people would just be too drunk.

"The only way I can see it being beneficial is if all the pub workers who have had to serve everyone else all night want somewhere to drink."