ONE of Taunton's largest pubs aims to bring back the customers by opening longer hours.

The Crown and Sceptre, in Station Road, wants to open early to serve breakfasts and close after midnight every day.

The owners, Star Pubs and Bars Ltd, are also hoping for permission to sell alcohol from earlier until later than the existing licence allows.

And they are planning to play live and recorded music into the early hours and to provide 'films' during opening hours.

The company has submitted an application to Somerset West and Taunton Council to vary its premises licence.

Its proposals include:

*opening at 8am every day for breakfasts, coffee and tea;

*staying open until 12.30am Mondays to Thursdays;

*closing at 2.30am Fridays to Sundays;

*selling alcohol from 10am daily;

*calling last orders and playing live and recorded music until midnight from Sunday to Wednesday and until 2am Fridays to Sundays;

*permitting late night refreshment Sundays to Wednesdays from 11pm to midnight and Friday to Sunday until 2am;

*allowing the provision of films on Sunday to Wednesday from 8am to midnight and Thursday to Saturday from 8am to 2am the following day;

*removing the provision of entertainment facilities for dancing.

A Star Pubs and Bars spokesman said: "The Crown and Sceptre is now under new management.

"The application to extend the trading hours is to enable the pub to host functions where a late-night license might be required as well as offer breakfast for guests and passing trade.

"This is designed to broaden the pub’s appeal and increase trade ensuring The Crown and Sceptre's long-term sustainability.

"The pub is located on a busy main road, not in a residential district. We don't anticipate the changes impacting the local community."