RESIDENTS appealing against late licences in York were warned today that they risk having to pay costs running into thousands of pounds.

The warning came as it emerged that about a dozen appeals have now been lodged with city magistrates against City of York Council licensing committee decisions.

Some appeals have come from residents who feel pubs and clubs have been allowed to stay open too late; others have been lodged by pubs and clubs who believe the council has not allowed them to stay open late enough, or has been too restrictive in some other way.

The first appeal, against proposals for the Barbican, was dismissed last Wednesday.

Now a second appeal, against plans by the Lowther in Kings Staith to serve alcohol until 2am and stay open until 2.30am, has also been rejected.

The appeal was lodged by neighbouring resident Anthony Crawshaw, who claimed his quality of life had greatly deteriorated because of increased late night activities in the area.

Solicitor John McLoughlin, representing the pub, said it had "exemplary record", adding that police had never had a complaint against it since current landlord Shaun Binns had taken over. He said the pub was only seeking an extra hour on top of it existing closing time.

Magistrates said that, while they greatly sympathised with Mr Crawshaw, he was not able to establish that the problems he was experiencing could be attributed to the Lowther.

They said the landlord was also taking a series of steps to ameliorate any late-night noise from his pub.

They refused an application for costs against Mr Crawshaw by the pub and by the council, which were both represented at the hearing.

But he warned that this decision did not set a precedent: each future case would be decided on its merits.

John Lacy, York's temporary licensing manager, warned that in future cases, people should be aware there was a real risk they might have to pay thousands of pounds in costs.

He said that other appeals lodged with magistrates, and to be dealt with in coming weeks, included:

From the pub or club: The Cornerpin in Rougier Street, Flares in Rougier Street, the Gallery in Clifford Street, Acorn Rugby Club and Huntington Working Men's Club.

From residents: The Tap & Spile in Monkgate, the Lord Nelson in Poppleton, the Fox Inn at Stockton-on-the- Forest and the Nag's Head at Askham Bryan.

Updated: 12:39 Tuesday, October 25, 2005