POLICE are investigating a legal blunder by officers which forced several pubs to close early due to the clocks changing.

Licensees at the three venues in the affluent Clydeside town of Helensburgh have complained they lost out on thousands of pounds after local officers instructed them to close their doors one hour early.

Scotland's liquor laws state premises should 'disregard' the time change when the clocks move forward or back, as long as it does not affect the number of hours they are serving.

It is the second significant legal slip-up by Police Scotland on licensing law in the west of Scotland in the past week.

Licensing chiefs in Glasgow threw out the force's bid to close down well-known nightclub and prestigious arts venue The Arches as it had been made unlawfully.

There have also been several instances lately in Glasgow where those involved in the adminstration of the licensing system have voiced frustration at the police grasp of liquor legislation.

In the latest incident The Riverbank, The Logie Baird, and The Clyde Bar in the Argyll town were closed by police shortly after 1am on Sunday, when they are permitted to remain open until 2am.

Milan Nikolic, owner of The Riverbank, said he wanted compensated for the closure.

He said: "There were over 100 people in the pub, it came as a total shock to us.

"It's always been accepted that when the clocks go forward you stick to the original time and the same when the clocks go back.

"It's not acceptable that the decision was made, who has got to take responsibility for the loss of earnings.

"That mistake cost me hundreds of pounds, I cannot accept stupidity. Someone has to pay compensation for loss of earnings."

Craig Neilston, owner of the Logie Baird pub, said: "I was annoyed, it has never happened before. Collectively we lost a lot of business.

"It was pay weekend. Times are hard."

John Rapallini, owner of the Clyde Bar, added: "It is one of the nights we can rely on, so to shut early was a blow.

"It was the busiest hour of the busiest night of the week. It was unfortunate."

Chief Inspector Paul Robertson, area commander, said: "We are aware that three licensed premises in the Helensburgh area were closed an hour early at 2am instead of 3am on Saturday night. We are currently reviewing the circumstances surrounding this. We engaged with the premises affected and will continue to do so."

The Scottish Licensed Trade Association said that the law since 2009 was "perfectly clear" in allowing pubs to continue to trade."

Meanwhile, The Arches issued a warning to its clubbers to help keep the club open by ensuring they are over-18 and hold valid identification, do not get inebriated or bring drugs.

Ahead of the busy Easter weekend, the club said on its website: "Please make sure that, no matter what age you are, you are able to provide valid Identification.

"That means that it is yours, it proves that you are over 18, that the identification is in date and that it is, of course, genuine.

"Drinking responsibly is ALWAYS important. We want people to have fun, but that does not include anyone putting themselves in danger. Staff are ALWAYS here to help but we're not your family or friends. Look after each other before it gets out of control and enjoy your night.

"If you are in possession of a harmful substance, legal or illegal, you are not welcome in this venue. We understand that substance use can be part of a clubber's experience and we make provision to treat and engage with people showing the side effects of drug use.

"However, if found with a harmful substance hidden on your person, the police will be called immediately to the venue. This is not only damaging for you, but for The Arches as well. You may not just ruin your own night but the nights of many others and events to come.

The statement concluded: "The Arches cannot go on without you and it cannot go on without your support. We are here for you, please be there for us. Work with us, not against us."