ONE of Ross-on-Wye's largest pubs has won its long-running fight with Herefordshire Council for a late night entertainment licence - and may have set a precedent in doing so.

Hereford magistrates allowed an appeal against the council's decision not to let the King Charles II in Broad Street open until 1am Thursday to Saturday and until 12.30am on Sunday.

Speaking after the case on Tuesday Matt Lewis, representing the pub's owners Paul Neades and Andrew Gooding, said the decision sends a sharp message to Herefordshire Council over how it hears licensing applications.

Responsibility for licensing passes from the court to the council next year. Licensees will have to reapply for licences.

"This case could be the first of many," said Mr Lewis of Hereford solicitors Shawcross and Co.

A single vote sank the King Charles II application when the council's regulatory committee met in October. Councillors were concerned at setting a countywide precedent that blurred the distinction between pubs and nightclubs.

It was the fourth time that the application had come before the committee.

At appeal, Mr Lewis argued that the logic behind the original decision was flawed being based - as it was - on any potential for public disorder with no evidence to support actual incidents.

Overturned

Herefordshire police were present at the hearing and had no objections, describing the King Charles II as well run.

Herefordshire Council had no-one present and offered written representations to the bench.

Magistrates overturned the regulatory committee's decision effectively allowing the King Charles II to start operating under its new opening hours this week.

The council was ordered to pay £500 in costs.