ACCUSATIONS about underage drinking and anti-social behaviour at a popular Northleach pub failed to sabotage the venue's bid for late night opening this week.

Thirty local residents objected to the application by the Sherborne Arms being granted a licence to serve alcohol until 1am and remain open until 1.30am, but licensing bosses at Cotswold District Council decided to grant the late licence on Monday.

Live music can also be played at the premises in the town centre up to 12 times a year on Fridays and Saturdays.

However, Cllr Clive Bennett, who chaired the licensing hearing, warned landlord David Lydiat he could be fined £20,000 if he breaks the conditions.

He said: "I am aware feelings are running high in this matter - there are strong views on both sides.

"There is a possibility of a review if the pub is not carrying out its business according to the conditions as laid down. Any breaches of these conditions are subject to a fine of up to £20,000.

"We have tried to do the best we can on the evidence we have heard, but we know we can't please everybody."

Several irate residents living in the vicinity of the Sherborne Arms complained to the licensing committee about the noisy and violent behaviour of clientele at the pub.

Cotswold District councillor Mark Tufnell spoke on behalf of eight people, which included postmaster David Cotton.

He said residents and shopkeepers had suffered shouting, swearing and damage to property from drinkers at the pub.

He added: "Mr Cotton is particularly concerned about high noise levels sometimes late into the night and he says this will be exasperated if the opening hours are extended."

The postmaster also complained of underage drinking at the Arms.

Mr Lydiat, however, continually denied the accusations aimed at his business and assured residents they had little to fear from the new licence.

He said: "I can't tell you how much this has upset my team - the vast majority of people who use the Sherborne Arms are law-abiding citizens. We have never had music at 1.30am and we want an extra hour to save people going out as a mass exodus on a music night, which we thought would therefore alleviate any noise."

Nevertheless, the licence does stipulate that no drinkers can be admitted to the pub after 11.30pm, while the outside areas must be cleared of customers by 11pm.