A BAR owner has moved to reassure residents after being granted a licence to sell alcohol until 2am, six days a week.

Tony Bimbi said bands would not play at the Fish Tank, in Neville Street, Durham, after 11pm, and although DJs could continue later, the music would be inaudible from outside.

Mr Bimbi, who bought back the Fish Tank in January, having sold it in 2004, said a noise-limiting system will stop the music if it reaches a certain decibel level and stressed the venue would be food-led during the day.

He was speaking after Durham City Council's licensing panel granted him permission to sell alcohol from the Fish Tank until 2am, from Monday to Saturday.

Councillors also gave him the go-ahead to show films - which he said would often be images accompanying a DJ set - and sell draught beers and lagers.

Until yesterday, the Fish Tank could only sell beer and lager in bottles or cans.

However, live bands could play until 1am.

Several nearby residents had objected to the licence changes.

In a letter to the council, Peter Makepeace, of Neville Street, said having a venue open later was bound to be to the detriment of the neighbourhood.

During a meeting held at Abbey Leisure Centre, in Durham, yesterday, the licensing panel heard a city council environmental health officer had visited the location and found the music to be "almost inaudible".

Mr Bimbi told the meeting he was happy for live music to be restricted to before 11pm.

Speaking afterwards, he said: "I want to keep the music theme, which has always been an alternative music theme.

"It's very student-friendly and several Durham University societies have weekly, monthly or fortnightly events there.

"Most of them want to start at about 11pm. At the moment, we have to eject them at midnight."

Many pubs and bars in nearby North Road have lost trade in recent years to those in the Walkergate development.

Mr Bimbi said: "If places are run correctly and people support it, then we shouldn't give up on that area of town."