Nightclub after objectors dropped their protests.

Co-owner Paul DeCouto yesterday took the stand in Magistrates' Court and told Liquor Licensing Authority chairman Will Francis and two panelists he intended to have two bouncers in the lobby area of the Par-la-Ville Road club at all times.

He said a deal was struck with the M.R. Onions building's owners, Jones-Waddington and the owner of M.R. Onions.

An additional part of the deal concerned the deposit of trash behind the building, which will soon include Jones and Waddington's offices.

Mr. DeCouto said he owned the club with his sister and another sister has "extensive'' experience in managing and bartending in clubs.

Mr. Francis told Mr. Decouto: "We grant this provisional licence until April 6. The objectors', Police, and our concerns have been addressed.'' Earlier, under questioning by his lawyer Julian Hall, Mr. DeCouto said an incident at the club last year was beyond his control and he intended to strictly sell alcohol and soda.

Mr. DeCouto said he was in hospital on the night of July 7, when several women complained to Police they woke up in a nearby parking lot after consuming unknown beverages in the alcohol-free unlicensed club.

And he said a legal bottle of Invigorate bodybuilding supplement seized by Police in a later raid was sealed and in his gym bag when the raid occurred.

Invigorate is thought to have contributed to the women's state. Police presented the seized bottle. But no discussion took place of use of any illicit drugs.

Mr. Hall told the hearing: "It's Mr. DeCouto's position that he has never sold it there and no one else was allowed to sell it. There are all kinds of rumours, but what we're concerned with today are the facts.

"Invigorate is perfectly legal. Bodybuilders use it.

"In fact, I should probably use it!'' Mr. Hall said, glancing at his muscular client. "There was and will be a zero tolerance policy toward drug use in the club.'' Ian Waddington, representing his real estate firm, said he was supportive of the club if it was under a liquor licence and operated between the usual club hours.

NIGHTCLUB EAT