Band called 4am prompts visit to pub from licensing officers

A pub licensee has criticised her local council after a mix-up over the name of a band performing at the venue led to a visit from licensing officers and police.

The officials turned up to talk to Kate Dillon after her pub, the Feathers in Laleham, had advertised live music "from 4am", according to the BBC. But 4am was the name of the band, rather than the time at which they were due to play.

Dillon said she was "speechless" after the visit.

"I was angry more than anything on the day. We've never had any need to call the police or had any trouble," she was quoted as saying.

"If one official turns up that's funny enough, but if four people come into the pub like they did, it's absolutely ridiculous.

"When I calmed down a bit I thought it was absolutely hilarious. They made idiots of themselves really."

"Why did they need to come around instead of calling me first? It's a waste of taxpayers' money."

The two-piece band, of Joe Becket and John Adams, was named after a track by jazz musician Herbie Hancock.

A spokeswoman for Spelthorne Borough Council said: "Following a visit to the Feathers, there was no cause for concern.

"The visit was carried out following seeing an advertisement which mentioned 4am. On investigation, this was part of the name of the band.

"Licensing staff often make such visits, either pre-arranged or not, and the Feathers was one of a number of premises visited that night."

By Neil Gerrard

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