A NEWCASTLE city centre snooker club will be able to serve booze until 8am after striking a deal with council and police bosses.

The popular Spot White pool hall in Stowell Street had been seeking a 24/7 alcohol licence, a request that was met with stern opposition from city authorities.

The Chinatown venue’s application was due to come before a committee of councillors for a verdict this week, with Northumbria Police having argued that it would “increase alcohol related anti-social behaviour and crime and disorder” in an area which is already “at saturation” with bars and pubs.

But Tuesday’s licensing hearing was cancelled after a compromise was reached that will allow the business to keep serving alcohol until 7am Monday to Thursday and 8am Friday to Sunday – rather than its current 6am cut-off.

Spot White’s starting time for alcohol sales has been pushed back as a result, from 10am to 11am each day.

A Newcastle City Council spokesperson said: “Detailed conversation between the Licensing Authority and applicant led to a schedule of conditions for the betterment of the existing licence and to promote the licensing objectives. 

“Hours have also been modified and reduced, not only from the 24 hours sought but with a reduced commencement hour from the existing licence.”

The new licence agreed with the council states that Spot White must operate as a snooker club, with its bar only available to members and their guests – as well as players competing in local league matches or tournaments held there.

There are also limits on the number of guests that club members can bring and how many times guests will be allowed in each year, with a log of their names kept on the premises.

Prior to the compromise deal being reach, Northumbria Police’s Sgt Julie Cottiss had urged councillors to reject the 24-hour application.

She said:  “In my experience revellers who stay later in the night time economy are more likely to become a victim or perpetrator of crime. 

“The applicant has failed to demonstrate that there are any exceptional circumstances or that the operation of these premises is unlikely to add to the cumulative impact on the licensing objectives. 

“It is my belief to grant the licence will add to the cumulative negative impact on the licensing objectives with regards to the prevention of crime and disorder. I therefore respectfully request that committee members refuse the application.”

City centre councillors Jane Byrne and Shumel Rahman had also both opposed the plans due to concerns about anti-social behaviour, as did the council’s licensing and environmental health chiefs.

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