Jack Michael, owner of the Buckingham Street club, argued his case before the district council's licensing sub-committee earlier today (Wednesday).

A couple who live above the venue, Neil and Jenny Chapman, also appeared before the committee to urge that the application be rejected, as they said it would create more noise nuisance for them later into the night.

However, councillors Judy Brandis, Corry Cashman and Terry Jones ruled that the club was allowed to open until 3am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays- but added that noise limiters which keep down the volume of music should be reconfigured to the Chapmans' satisfaction, and are adhered to.

St James is also permitted to admit revellers aged under 21, although Mr Michael said that generally an over-21s door policy would still apply.

The reduction was sought so that if a party of older drinkers contained one reveller who was too young, that person could still be granted entry and so St James wouldn't lose business.

Whilst Thames Valley Police didn't object to this, their licensing officer Trevor Hooper told the committee: "If the premises become a problem we will be coming back and saying its not working and we want a review of this condition."

Do you think it was the right decision to allow St James to open later and admit under-21s?

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