A KELSO night spot could be forced out of business if it is not allowed to stay open till 3am at weekends.

That warning comes from Ian Hastings, who has run The Vibe venue in The Square with his wife Margaret for the past 25 years.

Trading as I & M Enterprises, the couple are seeking the extra hour extension on Friday and Saturday, citing “exceptional circumstances”.

Currently only two nightclubs – both in Galashiels – have a 3am terminating hour and this, says Mr Hastings in a letter to Scottish Borders Licensing Board, is unfair.

“In this day and age 2am is no longer considered late by clubbers and many Kelso people are travelling to Galashiels where they can dance till 3am,” said Mr Hastings in a submission to the board.

“There is also a growing number who travel from Kelso to Berwick where they can dance till 4am and take advantage of the many irresponsible drink promotions permitted under English licensing legislation.

“A few years ago, a local police inspector commented how glad he was this club existed as he always knew where 300 people were at the end of the night.

“Today, he would be pushed to know where a third of that number are.

“For a nightclub to survive, it needs a time advantage over other licensed premises which have all day to ply their trade, especially since it has the added responsibility of employing licensed stewards, CCTV and having a qualified First Aider on duty as well as a responsibility to watch out for the sexual exploitation of its customers.

“If this exodus to other towns continues at the current rate, the Vibe will be inviable. We will lose our livelihood, Scottish Borders Council will lose income from business rates and Kelso will lose a much-loved institution while gaining yet another block of flats.” Despite that impassioned plea, the police are objecting to the extra hour.

In a letter to the board, Chief Inspector Andrew McLean states: “There are no exceptional circumstances to warrant this extension beyond 2am.

“Furthermore the premises have been the subject of noise complaints from neighbours in the past. The increase in hours would increase the availability of alcohol and therefore increase the likelihood of alcohol related violence and anti-social behaviour. These incidents would potentially continue until 4am and beyond.” Two neighbours of the nightclub have also objected.

Patricia Price claims the “noise, mess and destruction made by people leaving at 2am is already unacceptable” while Christine Vincent, who owns a local B & B, writes: “It seems a shame we are trying to encourage people to come to this beautiful town while providing an environment which leaves visitors with the mistaken impression Kelso is a rough place full of antisocial behaviour.”