REVELLERS at a charity bash were left drinking fruit juice and mineral water at 11.01pm on Saturday night after magistrates refused to grant a late licence.

A leading fundraiser who helped to organise the Soul in the City event at the Guild Hall said it was like a 'children's disco' after the bar shut at 11pm on the dot.

Even Preston's mayor, Councillor Jonathan Saksena, who was there along with about 700 other adults, was left panting for a pint when time was called at the bar -- two hours before the end of the dance.

Steve Curry, co-organiser of the event, which featured American soul singer Edwin Starr, has written to the chief constable and managers at the Guild Hall to complain.

Mr Curry, co-founder of the charity initiative, Soul Aid said: "This was a fund-raising event for the 30-plus age group, not a kiddies' disco.

"Coach loads came from Carlisle and Penrith to see an international artist and enjoy a sit down dinner/dance. They were not the hooligans you see running riot in Church Street, yet we couldn't get a late licence.

"This is village hall mentality being applied to the city's flagship entertainment venue.

"If that's the best Preston can do, then God help them."

The event was organised in aid of St Catherine's Hospice in Lostock Hall.

Now, hospice appeals manager John Nickson is considering turning his back on the venue for future charity functions.

Mr Nickson, who is responsible for raising thousands of pounds annually for the hospice in Lostock Hall, said:

"The Guild Hall is a prestigious venue in Preston. It's well managed, well run and has superb facilities and good security.

"It is ridiculous that it was refused a late licence for an event like this which clearly was going to attract a 'grown-up' audience.

"It makes Preston look like a laughing stock among other key venues in other cities."

And Mayor Coun Saksena said: "I was disappointed because it did seem to affect the enjoyment of people attending the event which was a fundraiser for St Catherine's Hospice."

Despite the show on Saturday, September 14, being billed in the Guild Hall's events guide as having a 'late bar', the venue was refused an extension on its drinks licence.

According to a police officer at Lancashire Constabulary's licensing department, a drinks licence holder can apply to magistrates for a Special Order of Exemption to the hours of serving alcoholic drinks.

Licensing officer PC Mike Riley said: "The applicant has to show it is a 'special occasion' although this does not necessarily mean what the applicant might consider is a special occasion.

"The Mayor's Ball is usually always regarded as a special occasion because it attracts a lot of high profile people."

One such 'high profile' event is a Jamaican gathering at the Guild Hall this Saturday -- to be attended by a senior police officer -- to celebrate the country's Independence Day on August 6.

It was originally refused a late licence because it did not qualify as a special event. Although it is a celebration of Independence Day, it is not taking place on the actual date, hence the licence was refused. The decision was later overturned.

Mr Riley said: "We initially pointed out to the court a concern about the event because similar applications had been refused in the past. But because of the amount of high profile people going it is now considered a special occasion."