A NIGHTCLUB owner is vowing to appeal against a one-month suspension after police alleged it is a magnet for drugs and violence.

Bromley Council's licensing sub-committee imposed the suspension on the Delano nightclub, East Street, Bromley, last week, following a licence review requested by police.

A report submitted by licensing officers from Bromley police states there have been a series of assaults, disorder and arrests at the premises between December 2 last year and January 21.

Arrests have also been made for the unlawful possession of a class A drug within the premises and drunk and disorderly behaviour immediately outside the premises.

But Carlos Duarte, the owner of the members' club, has called the decision "ridiculous".

The 44-year-old says many of the allegations in the police report are unsubstantiated.

He said: "As far as we are concerned, this is just a case of he said, she said', there is no justification."

The report alleges on December 2 an 18-year-old female customer was assaulted by a bouncer, then dragged up the stairs and thrown into the street.

But Mr Duarte says: "If the story was true the police would have come to the club and made the necessary arrests.

"No tapes were asked for and no doormen were arrested."

The report also states another female customer, aged 19, was a victim of a serious sexual assault, while on the premises on January 7.

Describing the incident as a "ghastly crime", Mr Duarte added: "There has been no proof any crime of this nature was committed on the premises nor have there been any arrests.

"We have had 26 high visibility police units come the nightclub in the past year.

"If we were a problem nightclub we would have a major incident every week, but we do not."

He added: "This is my livelihood. If you close a business down for a month, there is good chance you could ruin it.

"We will definitely appeal this decision. I will take it to the highest court in the land."

Bromley police licensing officer PC Andrew Waddington said: "Where there is a problem, our job is to bring it before the council which will make a decision based on evidence from all parties. We are pleased with the outcome."

Licensing commitee chairman Councillor Tony Owen said: "We will not hesitate to use our licensing powers again if necessary.

"We will be monitoring the Delano nightclub very carefully."

LICENSING LAWS

UNDER new licensing laws which came into force in November last year, any individual or authority can ask the council to review a premises' licence.

Reviews address whether the licensees are meeting their obligations under the four licensing objectives in relation to public safety and the prevention of harm to children, crime and disorder and nuisance.

The decision of the review takes effect after 21 days, during which time an appeal can be made to magistrates.

The Delano nightclub has been asked to upgrade its CCTV cameras and introduce a full photo swipe-card system for members.

The bar must also be raised and lighting improved to give staff a better idea of what is happening inside the premises.

It was asked to attend meetings held by Pubwatch a voluntary organisation which promotes safe drinking environments and aims to reduce alcohol-related crime. Staff training was also recommended.