A WESTON-SUPER-MARE club will only be able to serve drinks in plastic cups or bottles and has been ordered to hire additional security staff at night, a licensing panel has ruled.

The owners of Dragon Kiss were appealing a 28-day suspension of its licence, which had been imposed by North Somerset Council’s licensing sub-committee in April.

At the time police had reported a rise in crime at the venue and asked for the suspension to be put in place, alongside conditions about its opening times and staff training.

The owners of the Regent Street club appealed the decision – which meant it was able to stay open – and the hearing took place at North Somerset Courthouse on October 7.

Magistrates upheld the appeal against the suspension, saying training and food hygiene requirements had been met and the venue no longer needed to obey the 28-day closure order.

But the panel did agree to impose restrictions which mean the venue will have to hire additional security staff from 9pm every day.

The club will also only be able to serve drinks out of plastic cups or bottles after 9.30pm and no-one will be allowed to enter, or re-enter, the premises after 1am each day.

Neighbourhood Inspector Sharon Bennett said: “We believe the conditions the magistrates have placed on the Dragon Kiss licence will help to improve the town centre.

“A ban on serving alcohol in glassware will reduce the risk of injury from broken glass.”

Insp Bennett said the restrictions will also mean door staff can be proactive in spotting and tackling troublemakers.

The council’s executive member for licensing Felicity Baker said: “We welcome the court’s decision. It sends out a strong message to the night-time economy premises in Weston that we will continue to work closely with the police to take action against problem premises to minimise crime and disorder and to promote the town as a safe and vibrant place for people to enjoy.”