BATTLELINES have been drawn between the police and the bosses of Lancaster's newest nightclub.

At a meeting at Lancaster Town Hall next week, the police will show videos of violent assaults and argue that Liquid Nightclub on North Road should not have its entertainment licence renewed.

But the parent company, Luminar Leisure, has suggested increasing the club's late licence to 3am as a solution to end potential trouble.

This has angered other licensees in the city who claim such a move would further disadvantage other establishments and create a precedent for others to follow. At Wednesday meeting, the police are expected to show a video of violent assaults in the vicinity of the club and argue that in the 12 months Liquid was open there has been a negative effect on the quality of life of people who visit the city.

A spokesman for the police claim "it will be gloves off" as they object to the late-night public entertainment licence and one local licensee said they had the support of the community behind them.

"It's great to see the police being proactive in dealing with the problem of late night violence in the city centre," said the licensee.

"The worse thing that could happen is for Liquid's licence being increased to 3am.

"That would give them an unfair commercial advantage and make it impossible for the authorities to resist applications for other extended licences.

"This would create more trouble later into the night and make it even more difficult for the police to contain the situation."