A LENGTHY and expensive legal battle could follow after Watford Council took a tough stance and refused to extend the licensing hours of some of the town's biggest night spots.

Police and residents groups had feared a surge in crime, violence and anti-social behaviour if the applications of three clubs and pubs to stay open, as late as 4am in one case, had been approved.

The two largest capacity clubs, Area and Destiny, are licensed to stay open until 3am, stretching already limited resources, according to police.

Western Area Chief Inspector Paul Newell told the Licensing Committee on Wednesday, August 27, his officers would not be able to cope if the applications were allowed.

Quoting extensively from a recent newspaper article, which described a night out in Watford as "Ibiza on Acid," Chief Inspector Newell warned councillors against allowing the applications.

The police objections were threefold: the impact on safety and public order, the impact on residents and a predicted rise in crime and anti-social behaviour.

Area and Bar Baraka had an application to stay open until 4am turned down, even though alcohol would not be served from 3am.

And Bar Me and Aura both had applications to stay open an hour longer without selling alcohol rejected by the eight member committee.