A PUB has applied for permission to extend its opening hours as part of a refurbishment programme.

But a rival trader is calling for Middlesbrough Borough Council to impose a minimum entry fee to make it fair to nearby premises. Flares, on Albert Road, Middlesbrough, wants to change its opening hours to 8pm until 2am, Monday to Saturday.

It said that the plan is in line with alterations, including an extension of the entertainment area.

Ashley Wem, of the Empire, on Corporation Road, has submitted a letter of objection. He says that if the bid is granted a similar entrance fee to the Empire's should be a condition.