A POPULAR nightspot could face an uncertain future after councillors rejected a bid for them to open an hour later over fears about potential disorder.

Bosses at Fashion Café Bar in St Botolph’s Street had wanted to serve booze until 4am and shut at 4.30am in order to keep pace with neighbours Silk Road – a nearby bar which was granted a similar license last year.

The council sub licensing committee said they were concerned about crime, disorder and public nuisance and cited and incident in July where door staff struggled to stop a group of drunken revellers coming into the bar after they had initially been denied entry.

It is also alleged two of the doorstaff were not register with the Security Industry Authority (SIA).

Chairman Julie Young said: “The sub-committee has rejected the extension until 4am as it is contrary to the licencing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder and public nuisance.

“We were concerned at evidence of the breach of licence and the incident which occurred in July.

“We have considered the submission regarding neighbouring premises but each application has to be judged on its own merits.”

Police had initially objected to the bid, but Essex Police’s licencing officer Alan Beckett had held discussions with the bar and come up with a myriad of conditions if the firm was allowed to open later.

One of them included employing two door staff to patrol Queen Street and St Botolph’s Street for half an hour after closing who would act as marshals for anyone in the area.

Representing Fashion’s Café Bar, Richard Porter said the incident with the doorman was an isolated one and the venue was struggling against its rivals.

He said: “It was the first of its type this year and for many years going back – this is not a premises which has a problem with public order and behaviour.

“Security staff are provided by an outside company and an investigation is underway.

“Silk Road has been given a commercial advantage and Fashion Café is suffering - we are seeking to readdress it.

“The balance was distorted as a result of an accident but jobs are at risk.

“It has resulted in a significant reduction in footfall which translates into pounds, shillings and pence.

“The owner has operated to these hours with Temporary Event Notices with no problems.

“He needs this variation and if he doesn’t get it then Fashion Café is at risk.

“A number of the conditions which have been agreed with the police are already in place and it is just a case of formalising them.”