LA Café and Grand Central, both in the centre of Skegness, normally trade until 4am and have a condition on their premises licence that says they are permitted to open for an extra hour when BST commences.
According to Michael Kheng, of Kurnia Licensing Consultants, who is handling the cases, Lincolnshire Police visited both premises at just after midnight on 25 March and told them they must close at 4am BST, resulting in both venues losing an hour’s trade.
Kheng also noted that the East Lindsey District Council licensing policy states: “The licensing authority will assume (unless advised to the contrary) that applicants applying for licensing hours to the early hours wish an additional hour to the standard time on the night when British Summer Time commences.”
As part of the complaint both venues shall be requesting some form of compensation for lost profits.
Kheng added: “Once again we witness the police getting it wrong and, as my clients were unable to speak to me on the evening in question, both felt they had to close rather than challenge the police there and then without representation.
“I cannot believe the police did not work in partnership with the venues and establish in good time the facts surrounding the hours. Why wait until hours before, rather than approach the venues days in advance?
“I am aware some police authorities contact venues well in advance and advise on submitting a temporary event notice. This clearly was not the case here.”
Sergeant Jock Watt of Lincolnshire police said that he could not comment on the case, but confirmed that the complaints department is looking into the issue.
■ Have you suffered a similar problem with your local police? Email gurjit.degun@wrbm.com.