OWNERS of the Royal Oak pub in New Park Street, Devizes, say it will not disintegrate into a late night drinking den following the granting of an extended public entertainment licence.

Kennet licensing committee agreed entertainment could on until midnight on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and 1am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The pub asked for an extension on Sunday to midnight. Police wanted the existing hours to remain. Entertainment must now end at 10.30pm.

Devizes Town Council had asked for the licence to be extended until midnight on Thursday and not 1am.

The pub's owners, SH Pub Company, will now be applying to Kennet Magistrates for a late liquor licence in the next few weeks.

After the meeting Les Taylor, managing director of the pub company, said he would review whether to appeal to extend the entertainment licence on Sunday.

He said: "We do not welcome people who view the Royal Oak as purely a late night drinking venue."

Pub manager Terry Steel said the Royal Oak is a traditional pub and is looking to extend what entertainment it already offers, including live bands and the occasional karaoke evening.