VOODOO is set to stay open after council chiefs decided not to suspend the drinking establishment's licence.

The bar on Academy Street will be able to keep its doors open as long as its bosses abide by the conditions set out under the new licence.

This is despite concerns from Cheshire Police that the premises are 'badly run'.

One of the major issues raised was in relation to an incident involving a female using a bottle to carry out a sex act on September 18.

The premises manager and one of the promotions officer was accused of 'egging' her on and door staff were accused of not doing enough to intervene.

But Sarah Clover, who was acting on behalf of the licensee Neil Sparkes, said the manager has now been sacked before adding that incident could have happened anywhere.

She said: "Did the premises cause this? No. When Mr Sparkes had all the evidence to hand regarding this incident, he took action and sacked those members of staff that were involved in inappropriate behaviour."

In the report, which can be read in full on the council's website, it was stated that the premises' licence holder should review their current security arrangements due to the incident.

Following consideration by the panel, it was also agreed that the addition of certain conditions to the licence would be 'proportionate' to deal with the issues raised.

Under the new licence, the number of door staff at Voodoo shall be determined by the designated premises supervisor (DPS) following a full risk assessment for the premises and this will be assessed on a regular basis.

At least one of the door supervisors must be female.

It was also stated that all staff must be trained in public safety, which will be provided by Warrington Community Safety Partnership.

Despite calls to remove Mr Sparkes as the DPS, the panel ruled that this was not necessary.

It was also added that Mr Sparkes, who has been a licensee for 15 years, did not take the situation 'lightly' and there have been no incidents at the premises since December.