A council meeting called to discuss extending a nightclub’s opening hours has been adjourned.

Watford Borough Council’s licensing committee was due to rule this morning on an application by the Chicago Rock Café, in the Parade, to markedly extend its operating hours – before the meeting was adjourned for further discussions to take place.

Owner 3D entertainment Ltd has applied to extend the time it is allowed to sell alcohol as follows: from 1am to 2.30am Monday to Thursday; from 2am to 3am on Saturday and Sunday and from 10.30pm to 12.30am on Sundays.

This request, however, has been opposed by some residents and police, who feared a rise in rowdy and potentially criminal behaviour.

In a report prepared for the committee, town centre police officer Dave Pearce gave a candid assessment of his concerns. He said: “There has been a noticeable increase in crime and disorder in the town centre.

“This causes concern and poses the question that this application, if granted, would not prevent the prevention of crime and disorder objective.”

PC Pearce also gave an example of a recent alcohol promotion allowing all-night drinks for £12 – a scheme he described as “clearly inappropriate.”

Objections were also received from the Central Town Residents’ Association, members of which described the proposals as a “smack in the face” in a letter to the council. Association secretary Peter Young added: “We see this extension to hours as effectively extending the problems of disturbance and vandalism.”

It is believed 3D Entertainment wants further time to set out its case.

A final hearing is likely to take place next month.