THE managers of Oxford's Plush Lounge have expressed their disappointment at being unable to convince police they should be able to sell alcohol later at weekends. 

A statement has been released on behalf of the club ahead of a crunch meeting of the city council's licensing committee this evening. 

The LGBTQ-friendly venue wishes to extend its licensing hours by 30 minutes to bring its new Frewin Court home in line with what was in place at its former base on Park End Street. 

But police fear this could lead to a rise in crime and disorder in the city centre. 

Plush said its relationship with police has always been strong and noted the force described them as 'one of the most responsible operators' in its objection. 

READ AGAIN: Police's concerns over Plush's bid to stay open until 4am

The statement added: "It is therefore all the more disappointing that in spite of this praise, and the extensive efforts that Plush has gone to over the last ten years, TVP has decided to refuse an application which, rather than extending the hours that Plush is able to trade, simply aims to reinstate the hours that Plush has always traded, but at its new venue. 

"The matter is now in the hands of Oxford City Council’s Licensing Committee; as such, Plush is unable to comment further at this stage."

Police's objection to the club's proposals to reduce its number of bouncers to 'a minimum of two' has been withdrawn after the parties had agreed a 'revise wording', according to the nightclub.