A DARTFORD nightclub's application to allow late-night music and dancing has been turned down in a bid to reduce crime and disorder in the area.

The Bizznis, in Spital Street, will be allowed to trade while it appeals against the decision in the magistrates' court where a late-night licence may still be granted.

Police had objected to the application after five violent incidents including four assaults and an alleged tear-gas attack by a doorman on people outside the club.

Police told the panel they had been called to an incident where a man had alleged a member of staff had sprayed an incapacitant spray in his face on October 6 last year.

They were told no tape had been put into the machine at the time of the incident, so no CCTV evidence was available.

But in its defence, The Bizznis claimed police had not investigated the possibility of a spray being used when they arrived nor subsequently.

The club also said the CCTV in the town centre would have picked up the incident and police would have access.

After hearing the evidence, the licensing panel concluded that renewing the licence would breach the Government's Crime and Disorder Act.

Chairman of the panel Councillor Margaret Stock said: "I have heard stories from parents in my ward about their under-age children coming home from The Bizznis drunk. I don't think you check their identification very closely."

The Bizznis's solicitor, Mark Blenkarne, told the panel police had occasionally checked the age of everyone in the club but never found anyone under-age.

The Railway Hotel, in Station Approach, was granted an entertainment licence despite police objections which highlighted nine incidents including a bar room brawl which resulted in five people brandishing pool cues as weapons, last April.

It was granted temporarily under the strict conditions the bar closes at 11.30pm on Mondays to Thursdays, midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and 10.30pm on Sundays.