A BAR in Christchurch is appealing the decision of the council’s licensing board, despite avoiding having its licence revoked.

Cameron’s Club and Lounge Bar in Bargates avoided the desired action of Dorset Police following hours of discussions with Christchurch Borough Council’s licensing sub-committee.

Police licensing officers had claimed the bar “actively promoted violence” and “constantly failed” to uphold the licensing objects.

However, after hearing from the solicitor representing the business during two separate meeting sessions the sub-committee decided to vary the existing licence.

The changes included earlier closing times and restricting the sale of alcohol to the same finish time.

The council also added a condition that two door supervisors must be present from 10.30pm, with an additional two from midnight, every day of the week.

No change was made to the premises licence with regards to the playing of recorded music, which means this could take place for several hours after the amended closing times.

But as solicitor Philip Day, who represents the owner of the establishment, has been instructed to appeal the sub-committee changes, the bar can keep its closing times from before the premises licence review. This will remain the case until the appeal reaches its conclusion.

The challenge goes to the Magistrates Court and Mr Day said this process is expected to take many weeks before an outcome is reached.

Dorset Police had called on the council to revoke the premises licence. They presented an extensive collection of CCTV to support their case, as did Mr Day.

The footage was studied by sub-committee members at the meetings. These talks took place largely at the exclusion of the press and public.

After considering all they had been told, councillors came to the decision that revocation was not appropriate.

A report on the meetings, published by the council, said members “acknowledged that crime and disorder had clearly taken place in the premises”, but they “felt obliged” to take into account measures taken by the owner to address previous failings.

The report adds: “It was clear to the sub-committee that Dorset Police had directly influenced improvements in the management at the premises by submitting the review application, and their work was commended.”