A Darlington bar will not be permitted extend its opening hours, following objections by the police.

On Wednesday, Darlington licensing committee members unanimously refused an application from Stadia, in Duke Street, to extend its closing times on Fridays and Saturdays from midnight to 1am.

Chief Insp Graham Hall said that the police felt the additional hour would increase the potential for drink-related disorder, nuisance to residents, the competition between licensed premises, and place additional strain upon police resources.

"It is one of our peak times after midnight and it does get busier for our response units," he said.

"We have no objections to the running of the premises but the extended licence would affect our ability to control crime and disorder."

Chief Insp Hall added that there had been a marked increase in the number of assaults and public disturbances between 2002 and 2003 in the Central Ward area, and that 73.5pc of assaults had been associated with alcohol.

He said the case for "staggered" closing times had not been proven, and that under Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, the council had an obligation to do all it could to prevent crime and disorder in its area.

Coun Brian Jones said: "I think Chief Inspector Hall has presented a strong case. I think we owe the police our support in this matter."

Barry Pearson, licensing officer, added that midnight was also recognised as an acceptable closing time by members of Pub Watch and residents around Skinnergate.

Mr Peacock, the owner of Stadia, said: "We didn't want to cause a problem with the police and we didn't know they would object.

"I didn't want to use the licence every Friday and Saturday night, only when we had live entertainment. I am prepared to apply for occasional licences."

* The committee agreed to a request by John Hall, licensee of Route 66, in King Street, to defer considering his application to extend opening hours until 2am from Mondays to Saturdays and until 12.30am on Sundays.

In a letter, Chief Insp Hall has also objected to this application stating that Mr Hall had already breached his public entertainment licence by not having door staff on duty on January 21 when police were called out twice to the premises.