PANAMA Jacks has survived a licensing review after police said it was a crime hotspot.

Representatives from the Bridge Street bar had to argue their case to councillors last Thursday. Police told a licensing sub committee there was too much violence and theft there - from customers and door staff. They proposed tough measures including the suggested replacement of manager Jeff Arnold.

But councillors went for a compromise to satisfy both parties' and Mr Arnold retained his position. Paul Draycott, the police's licensing officer, said a meeting was first arranged with Panama Jacks last October.

He said: "The main concerns were incidents of violence and the conduct of door staff."

The meeting was positive and improvements included the removal of a champagne bar that was attracting the wrong type of person'.

But Mr Draycott said: "There was a serious incident in May and three door staff are currently on bail for affray, and two other people are on bail.

"The concerning point was the door staff not only left the premises but went a considerable distance to allegedly inflict serious head and chest injuries."

He said statements showed customers might drink up to 20 alcopops or 10 pints of bitter.

And Mr Draycott suggested Mr Arnold, an experienced licensee, had few experienced staff to rely on and had lost the confidence of the door staff.

And he said lewd pictures that had previously been on the bar's website gave the impression unacceptable behaviour was tolerated or encouraged'.

Bar owner Stephen Lawler, a 54-year-old from St Helens who also owns Breeze Bar, was praised as responsible' by the police.

But he criticised them for making no more mention of thefts since the October meeting, and said many had been of unattended mobile phones.

He said: "We will co-operate with police but we need to know about what they allege is happening. We had no knowledge of most of the incidents."

He said the club now had 32 digital CCTV cameras, probably more than any other town centre bar', and that some alleged crimes were not backed up by CCTV evidence.

He said a new door charge had virtually wiped out' incidents on Friday and Saturday nights.

The club has to take on certificated door staff - who are in short supply and are not necessarily experienced.

"But now we have got a group of committed people on the door, whereas at that time we were taking whoever was available," said Mr Lawler.

Mr Arnold said he had put three staff on the national licensee's scheme and denied he had lost the confidence of staff.

The new measures for Panama Jacks are: High visibility vests for door staff.

Full risk assessment and staff training including conflict resolution courses.

Review of CCTV.

Capacity 375. The capacity on opening in December 2004 was 520. This was later reduced to 420. The police wanted 300 to 350. Panama Jacks wanted 400.

Monday to Thursday, last orders at 1.30am and close 2am. Last admissions 12.45am.

Friday to Sunday, last orders 2am and close 2.30am. Last admissions 1.15am.

An application to build a separate exit.