A CENTRAL Watford bar lost its appeal against a council decision not to extend its licensing hours.

Revolution, in High Street, applied to Watford Council to change its licence so it could serve alcohol until 3am, Monday to Saturday, but was refused permission.

The bar appealed the decision made by the council's licensing sub-committee but magistrates at Watford Magistrates' Court decided to uphold the council's position.

During the hearing, evidence from council officers, Hertfordshire Constabulary, residents and Revolution was presented.

Revolution falls within a part of the town centre called the "saturation area". Under council policy, premises within the area will not normally get licences if it appears the application would lead to disorder.

Exceptions are only made for premises that are not mainly for the consumption of alcohol or that would attract family groups. The court did not accept either of these descriptions applied to Revolution.

Watford Mayor Dorothy Thornhill said: "We have done everything possible to encourage a thriving night-time culture in the town centre, but that has to be weighed against the needs of residents." Manager of Revolution, Sarah Lock, said: "We were disappointed by the result." Revolution has to pay the council's court costs.