Row as doctors' leaders apply for late licence days after calling for action against binge drinking

The profession's governing body, the British Medical Association, has applied for a licensing extension to allow drinking to continue until 1am - despite complaints from residents that revellers are already causing problems with noise and public hygiene.

The licensing application for the historic BMA House in Tavistock Square follows the furore over a report the organisation published last week on Britain's binge-drinking "epidemic".

Doctors warned of a "public health emergency" and demanded that Ministers tackle the problem by raising taxes on alcohol, ending cut-price offers and reducing the drink-drive limit.

But at a meeting this month, councillors considering the BMA's request for a two-hour licence extension at the Grade II-listed building - once home to Charles Dickens - heard vivid objections from residents.

One, Sasha Watson, complained that there were "problems with urinating" and late-night revellers "frolicking on scaffolding" on the building.

Another, Colin Wright, said the new licence would "encourage the patrons to drink excessively" and would lead to an "increased risk of crime and disorder".

Lillian Ruff argued that extending hours would see more revellers arriving late at night on foot or by car, creating 'drink-driving implications'.

A solicitor for the doctors insisted the premises "would be used by staff and bona fide guests only".

The BMA says the aim of the extension is to increase the amount of business it does by hiring out the venue, which has the capacity to hold 1,200 people, for functions.

Its report last week, called Alcohol Misuse: Tackling The UK Epidemic, argued that more than a quarter of all drink-related deaths - thousands of lives a year - could be prevented by a ten per cent rise in taxes on beer, wine and spirits.

It condemned the Government for being "too close" to the drinks industry and for introducing laws enabling 24-hour drinking.

The report was particularly embarrassing for Ministers as it coincided with calls from supermarket chain Tesco for Ministers to ban the sale of cut-price alcohol.

The BMA said last night it was still waiting for Camden Council's decision on the licence extension, adding: "We dispute that the problems described result from the BMA headquarters - local pubs are to blame."

The organisation said it had been in touch with residents to resolve their complaints.