PLANS for yet another new bar in Lancaster have been given the go-ahead, despite a police 'video nasty' compilation of town centre violence.
Officers were so concerned about the proposed Chicago Rock Cafe, on the corner of Church Street and New Street, they prepared a horrific video showing recent city centre assaults.
But councillors have agreed to allow the pub to open until midnight Monday to Friday.
The applicants, Luminar Leisure Limited, owners of the Liquid nightclub, had asked for a 2am closing time, but the council's licensing sub-committee has ordered the bar and cafe to close at midnight.
Luminar intends the new Chicago Rock Cafe, which will include permanent seating and food service as well as street seating and two bars, to cater to over 25s. It will occupy two floors of the former Co-op building.
Police say that the increased number of pubs and nightclubs in the city centre had contributed to a growing number of violent incidents.
Statistics were produced showing increased violence in the city centre over the last three years, which have seen the opening of seven new licensed premises.
The same meeting deferred an application by another town centre pub, the Walkabout, Dalton Square, for late night opening.
The pub had hoped to open until 2am, Monday to Saturday.
Police had attacked the plan, and pointed out particular concerns about the pub's two for the price of one drinks promotions.
The plan, also opposed by a number of local residents,
will now be discussed at a special meeting on June 23.
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