A club could become the first in Sittingbourne to install a photo ID scanner at its door as a condition of its premises licence.

Platinum Bar opened in Sittingbourne High Street as a 315-capacity nightclub last month under new management. It was previously part of Sittingbourne Snooker Club, and a members-only snooker club will remain on the floor above.

The venue has had a troubled past with incidents of violence, antisocial behaviour and reports of drug abuse.

But new people are in charge and changes are planned. It is proposing to extend its closing time from 1am to 3.15am on Fridays, Saturdays, bank holidays, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Among the 11 conditions proposed by police is for the premises to have a device capable of scanning photo IDs of all patrons before they are allowed inside. Accepted forms of identification would be passports, photo driving licences or a Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) card.

The applicant, Daniel Price, of Minster, said there would be a scanner.

Other proposals aimed at cutting antisocial behaviour and drug use have been stipulated, such as use of CCTV cameras, random searches, staff training and a minimum of five door staff on Friday and Saturday nights.

The CCTV would be on 24 hours a day and hold recordings for 28 days. Under-18s will not be allowed in when alcohol is being served, and staff would have Challenge 25 training, with customers having to produce ID to prove they are adults.

"A friend of mine was beaten up there a few years ago and we no longer go there" - Objector

The application received nine objections from residents, including one who said: “A friend of mine was beaten up there a few years ago and we no longer go there.

“I really don’t think they should be allowed to stay open later with people getting more drunk, as they don’t look after their customers and only care about money in their tills.”

There were also concerns over whether a reduced police presence in the town at weekends due to cuts would be able to cope with any violence.

Swale council’s licensing subcommittee was due to decide whether to approve the application when its members met yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon.