A RIVERSIDE nightclub aimed at students can keep its alcohol licence after agreeing to stringent conditions, including the “watering down” of its controversial 'quaddies' drinks.

Klute in Durham City, was told a licence review held today (Monday, June 1) was “a shot across the bows” and further infringements could lead to it being called in again.

The move comes as police continue to tackle the student drinking culture in the wake of the deaths of three Durham University students in the River Wear, in Durham.

Durham Constabulary’s case for calling in Klute’s licence by the county council cited quaddies – two double vodkas with mixers - as part of the problem.

Under an agreement with owners Tokyo Industries, vodka used for quaddies will now be replaced by the less alcoholic Vodkat, which only contains 22 per cent alcohol.

Sergeant Tim Robson of the force’s Alcohol Reduction Unit told the licensing committee of a series of encounters with intoxicated students.

One, taken to a place of safety, was so drunk that once sober he was unable to recall where he had been that night. Another was found waiting to pay for 10 Jaeger bombs lined up on the bar. He told police they were for friends – but he was on his own.

However, Sgt Robson said was happy with a series of “stringent conditions ” mutually agreed with Tokyo Industries' solicitor Sarah Smith.

“Durham Police do not want to close these premises," he added. "We want it to be safe and operate in a socially responsible manner when alcohol is sold.”

Addressing today's (Monday, June 1) meeting, Ms Smith said it was Europe's second biggest nightclub owner and was well-respected, having won numerous prizes.

She said: "Quaddies are not something we invented. It was something inherited (when the club was bought in 2013) and has been managed."

She added the perception of quaddies could be "very negative", but they were "long drinks and quite tamely consumed".

Accepting 13 conditions Ms Smith said: "We have a reputation to uphold. Students are our bread a butter, if you like. We have a huge responsibility to make sure they are safe and that we all work together."

Councillors agreed to give the Klute nine months to have the conditions in place - including the installation of a CCTV in consultation with the police.

Other conditions include banning people from buying multiple drinks for their own consumption and closer doorstaff monitoring of drunkenness of those in the entry queue.