A BUSINESSMAN is appealing to councillors for a new deal over party nights.

William Guthrie says it is unfair that his three nights a week, bookings-only party venue has to meet the same fees and red tape as a big night club.

Because his New Albert licensed premises in Middlesbrough stays open until midnight, he must pay an annual £520 fee to renew his public entertainment licence.

In a crackdown on drugs, Middlesbrough Borough Council introduced a stipulation two years ago that all premises licensed for public entertainment beyond 11pm should have a fully-qualified first aider with a minimum qualification of a four-day Health and Safety at Work Certificate.

Mr Guthrie had two members of staff trained on a one-day course, but council officers say that does not fulfil requirements.

He says the cost of licence fees and training for his staff is proving to be prohibitive.

Mr Guthrie, who organises parties for the police, customs staff and tax officials and claims he does not have drugs on his premises, has lodged an official objection.

He has the right to appeal to local magistrates against the terms of his licence and apply for a judicial review on the fees.

Councillors will decide at a meeting today whether to review his case.

Mr Guthrie said: "All I am asking them is to look at me fairly and give me a level playing field. Their literature talks about dealing with licences on their own merits, proportionately and in fairness. They are very good with words, but they don't practise what they print."