A NIGHTCLUB has re-opened after it successfully applied for a licence.

But the licence for Switch nightclub, Blackburn, has been granted with more stringent conditions including reduced opening hours.

Opening hours at the nightclub were 6pm to 6.30am but are now 5pm to 5.30am, while there will also be more stringent ID checks.

The licence for the building had been shared between the separate Nocturnal and Switch nightclubs.

But the Lancashire Telegraph understands there was an interim meeting called on Thursday because there was a material change in circumstances in that Switch applied for a licence for the downstairs of the premises.

There is now no licence for the upstairs Nocturnal which has not re-applied for a licence and remains closed.

There will be a full licensing review for Switch in two weeks time.

It follows violent disorder outside the building on St Peter Street in August, which was related to the upstairs Nocturnal nightclub rather than the ground level Switch.

There was an urgent licensing review for the premises at Blackburn Town Hall four days after the incident, which led to the closure of both nightclubs.

Switch said in a statement on Facebook that the council had asked both operators of the building not to open while the “legalities” could be arranged.

Switch re-opened yesterday (Friday).

Sgt Gary Hennighan said: “From the start I was keen to point out that the disorder occurred at Nocturnal rather than Switch. I respect the licensing committee’s decision to allow Switch to reopen.

Martin Eden, director of environment and leisure with responsibility for licensing, said: “Nocturnal nightclub remains closed following the attack which took place there last month.

“The licensing committee has granted Switch nightclub a single licence which will allow it to re-open and operate separately from Nocturnal nightclub.

“This is an interim measure and the matter will be finalised at a full review of the licences on September 20.”

Darren Ofsarnie, managing director of Switch, said: “A licence has been granted for Switch to operate the Switch nightclub downstairs.

“We utterly condemn what happened at Nocturnal and are working with the police and council licensing to make sure that people are safe when they come to our venue.”

The affray, involving 12 people, happened outside the building which houses the separate Nocturnal and Switch nightclubs in St Peter’s Street, , at around 4.15am on Sunday, August 19.

A man has appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged in connection with what police described as a knife fight outside the building at around 4.15am on Sunday, August 19.

Stephen Hunter, 30, of Thornton Close, Blackburn, pleaded not guilty to violent disorder on August 19 and threatening a person with an offensive weapon, a knife.

He was sent in custody to stand trial at Preston Crown Court.

A 15-year-old boy, three 16-year-olds boys, and two men, aged 18 and 20, all from Blackburn, were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.

They were all bailed until dates in September.