Selby's nightclub revellers will be able to party into the early hours on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve - thanks to a club owner who turned solicitor.

Festive punters were faced with the choice of going home early or travelling to big city clubs if they wanted to celebrate into the night - until entrepreneur Tony Sambidge stepped into the breach.

The new owner of Jems nightclub, in Ousegate, persuaded licensing magistrates to allow the club to remain open until 2am on both nights, despite the dates falling on Sundays.

The former Sherburn High School pupil said his solicitors told him he would be laughed out of court by asking for a 2am liquor licence in a small market town, so he decided to represent himself. Mr Sambidge said: "I told magistrates that the people of Selby should be given the same opportunity as those in cities to celebrate Christmas and the New Year in style.

"I also told them that several hundred people pouring out of Jems at the same time as other revellers queuing for taxis and takeaways could lead to mayhem.

"Fighting could break out more easily in a taxi or takeaway queue than in a nightclub staffed by local doormen, so it makes sense if they are on the streets at different times.

"I also told magistrates that all major cities would be operating temporary members' clubs to get round the 1780 Sunday Observance Act, which prevents clubs charging an entrance fee on Sundays.

"I will now be doing the same, which means people signing an application form at least 48 hours before. Each temporary member can then sign in two guests on the night."

Mr Sambidge added: "I'm grateful to the magistrates and police for their support. At least there will now be one place in town open after 11.30pm on Christmas Eve and after midnight on New Year's Eve."

Selby MP John Grogan, chairman of the all-party licensing law reform panel, said: "I hope that where Mr Sambidge leads, Parliament will follow next year and finally reform our outdated licensing laws.

"Last year's extended Millennium opening hours passed with very little trouble, and I hope this is the last time that businessmen like Mr Sambidge have to go through the hoop to provide a service that is clearly in demand."

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