a liquor licence.

Liquor Licensing Authority chairman Will Francis yesterday told owner Paul DeCouto to return for a full hearing for a provisional licence on January 6 to give Police time to present their objections.

The Par-la-Ville Road extended hours club does not sell alcohol on its premises and was originally aimed at young people by selling juices and non-alcoholic drinks.

But Mr. DeCouto told The Royal Gazette many of his clientele have requested alcohol and the new owners of Atlantic House -- where the club is located -- want the business to operate at nightclub hours.

An August Police raid on the club, in which five men between the ages of 19 and 32 were arrested on drugs charges, is believed to be the reason for objections to the liquor licence.

Ch. Insp. Steven Shaw told the Authority: "On behalf of the Commissioner of Police I wish to make specific objections under section 15 of the Act, particularly the suitability of the applicant.

He added: "The information that we have is that there is an ongoing investigation.'' Mr. Francis responded: "I don't know that.'' And he said there would have to be a hearing and Mr. DeCouto should be given a written copy of the objections.

Afterward, Mr. DeCouto was confident he would get a liquor licence, saying he could run a club.

"A lot of my clientele have asked for liquor,'' he said when questioned by The Royal Gazette . "And the new owners of the building wish us to bring the hours down to regular nightclub hours.

"I'm confident that I could run a nightclub. I will have proper security and strict rules. I'm not disappointed with the delay. I knew it would take time.''