RESIDENTS appealing against two pubs' new opening hours withdrew their objections when it emerged they had not followed Government guidelines.

Ten objectors attended Bromley Magistrates' Court to appeal against a council decision to allow The Queens Head, High Street, Chislehurst, and Elmer Lodge, Dunbar Avenue, Beckenham, to open later.

Under the Licensing Act 2003, the Queen's Head was given permission to open until 12.30am every night while the Elmer Lodge got the go-ahead to open until 11.30pm Sunday to Thursday, and midnight Friday and Saturday.

Following procedure, appeals against the decisions by residents were heard by Bromley magistrates on January 9.

But they had to withdraw their objections because their cases were not set against any of the four terms on which the licence was granted.

They needed to prove the opening hours affected crime and disorder, public and children's safety or harmed children.

Evidence would have to include a record of complaints made to police.

Bromley Council's licensing committee chairman Councillor Tony Owen said: "We have learnt some valuable lessons from this. It is crucial that before appealing people base their case on the licensing objectives as outlined in our policy."

Sixteen other appeals against opening times are due to be heard by April.

Call the council's licensing department on 020 8313 4218.