COUNCILLORS have backed plans by a Christchurch bar and restaurant to stay open into the early hours, despite concerns from residents.

Soho, in Church Street, applied to extend its licence from 1.30am to 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.

The business argued that this would lead to a more gradual exodus of its patrons and therefore less noise, but the application led to a number of objections from nearby residents, amid more general concerns expressed by other businesses about antisocial behaviour in the town centre.

Licensing committee chairman Cllr Nick Geary said the decision was "basically straightforward" as the board wasn't shown enough evidence to suggest the later opening time would be a problem.

"The biggest issue as far as residents were concerned was noise from the music, as well as revellers in the early hours of the morning," he said.

"The recommendation took into consideration the views of residents.

"The problem is there wasn't the evidence to sway councillors in the direction of refusal.

"Police made no representations.

"If they don't comply with the four licensing criteria the council will have the opportunity to bring it back and review the licence."

He said should residents encounter examples of antisocial behaviour they should be reported to police as "they will be recorded and the licensing board will see that".

Concern over the application had been raised by town centre councillor Peter Hall, who said the later licence could jeopardise the town's tourist industry and put off holiday-makers due to "nasty" behaviour from drinkers.

He said: "People just seem to want to drink themselves silly sometimes."

However Soho owner Christopher Rice told the Echo the later licence would end the current practice of ejecting all their patrons in one go "when we get to closing time and we're having a good evening".

He also defended his firm's record for preventing antisocial behaviour and showing respect to residents.