An application to extend a club’s opening hours has prompted the police to express concerns over anti-social behaviour.

Churchill’s Club, in Harbour Way, Folkestone, has appealed to Shepway District Council’s sub-licensing committee to stay open until 3am instead of closing at 1am on Friday and Saturday nights.

It also wants to continue selling alcohol on and off the premises until 2am.

Licence holder Harry Thomas Chamberlain Hall has submitted the proposed changes to the council.

The application was set to be determined in a meeting on Thursday which has since been cancelled.

A report from PC Chris Stephens has raised concerns over anti-social behaviour and noise, as the premises is next door to Folkestone’s only remaining nightclub, Jolson’s Party Bar.

Mr Stephens said: “Due to the increase of crime and disorder associated with late openings in the harbour area the Party Bar has adopted various measures to reduce this risk and supports police investigations.

“It would therefore be appropriate to adopt similar measures at Churchill’s.

“Measures have included CCTV coverage, quality and availability and the control of customers smoking at the front of the premises.

“Both have supported a reduction in offences being committed and bringing those involved in crime to justice”.

Without these enforcements, officers believe that “incidents of violence will return to the street”.

A list of suggested conditions have been made available to committee members before a decision is made.

PC Stephens has proposed that door supervisors are employed from 9pm until closing, that good quality CCTV covers all exits, entrances and public areas and that these are “well maintained”.

Recordings should also be stored for a minimum of 28 days he said and that officers can make evidential copies if they require.

It was also advised that temporary fences are erected outside the front for smokers on Fridays, Saturdays, Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Eve.