MAGISTRATES have set aside three days to consider a late-night licence application for a flagship entertainment venue.

Absolute Leisure, which will operate the Barbican Centre, in York, following its privatisation by the city council, wants to extend opening hours until 2am.

A York Magistrates' Court spokesman said 32 individual objections have been lodged, many from residents concerned about the possibility of late-night noise and disorder.

Objections have also been raised by Luminar Leisure, which operates the Gallery, Toffs and Ikon and Diva nightclubs in York.

Tony Knox, managing director of Absolute Leisure, said a nightclub was not being proposed, and the kind of problems people might associate with clubs, such as disorder, would not happen. He said what was being proposed was a lounge bar, with an emphasis on eating.

The application for a provisional on-licence and special hours certificate will be heard on November 16, 17 and 18.