Nightclub Po Na Na is bidding to become the first all-night drinking venue in Oxford licensed to open until 8am.

But last night there was concern the move could spark tit-for-tat licence extensions turning Oxford into a 24-hour party city.

If its application was successful, Po Na Na in Magdalen Street would become Oxford's latest-opening club.

Managers have appealed for an extension - the club currently closes at 2.30am - so it could accommodate all-night clubbers.

Po Na Na manager Ossi Sanghanel, 21, said: "We are applying for it throughout the week, but in reality we will be using it at the weekend - it gives us the option.

"People are not really coming into the club until 11.30pm or midnight, which doesn't really give them a chance to go clubbing for very long."

The only city venue with a 24-hour alcohol licence is Sainsbury's in London Road, Headington.

The Zodiac in Cowley Road, which is due to re-open next month after a re-fit, had a licence until 4.30am, while Park End Club, the city's largest nightclub, opens until 3am.

Michael Grange, manager of the Randolph Hotel in neighbouring Beaumont Street, said: "Some of our guests have been disturbed by noise. We would be horrified if it continued all night.

"We are now looking at putting in additional glazing to alleviate the noise."

The application goes before the city council's licensing committee next month.

A saturation policy exists in the city centre effectively banning the opening of new clubs, bars or pubs.

Supt Jim Trotman, the former city centre police commander, said before he left his post this month that 24-hour licensing had reduced crime around 'chucking out' time - but added crime and disorder now happened over a longer period.

City councillor and licensing committee member Ed Turner said: "Every application is different and has to be considered on its merits, but if we say yes to one and no to another that might well give us problems.

"I have not heard anyone say 'the worst thing about Oxford is you can't keep on dancing until 8am'."

Carfax city councillor Paul Sargent added: "I get complaints about Po Na Na customers causing a great deal of inconvenience."

Oxford police would not comment yesterday.