Licensing chiefs closed down Chateau 6 for two months – only to then say it could still open at weekends.

They met on Monday to discuss the future of the Fulham Broadway bar, which had been closed down by police after it opened an hour early on the morning of a high-risk FA Cup match between Chelsea and Cardiff City last month.

They decided to suspend the licence for two months, only to then say the owners could apply for temporary licences that would allow them to open on Saturdays and Sundays.

The management confirmed to the Chronicle it would reopen "with the full support of the council" from March 20 on weekends only until it is given back its permanent licence.

The owner, who refused to have her name in print, called the decision "harsh", insisting the violence which happened in Fulham Broadway on the day of the match – eyewitnesses reported smoke bombs being hurled at police – was in no way connected to the bar, which was scene of a fatal shooting 18 months ago.

She also questioned the validity of the statement given to the council by Inspector Penelope Mills, who took the decision to close the bar after seeing 40 people drinking in there at 10.10am – the venue is only allowed to open at 11am – and more flooding in thereafter without searches taking place.

The manager said: "There were only a handful or regulars in there. She (Insp Mills) had obviously had a busy day."

She added: "There was absolutely no incident on the day – the police know we are the best venue on the Broadway. We have never once had a fight on a football day, we get a corporate market and families coming in.

"The decision is harsh – it was a genuine mistake (to open early). The manager came in early and let some regulars in. When I arrived I couldn't believe it was open and the manager has been suspended.

"This has cost us a lot of money and 20 staff are without jobs. People are upset to see us close but we are happy to work with the police and the council."

The owner added the incident involving James Oyebola, who was shot at the bar 18 months ago, didn't count against the bar at the hearing.

The council said any weekend applications made by Chateau 6 are subject to approval by the police.