A CONTROVERSIAL Winchester bar plans to appeal after losing its late licence.

City councillors decided that Moloko in The Square should no longer open after normal hours.

They refused to renew or transfer the public entertainment licence (PEL) to Gillian Heath and James Sawyer.

The licensing committee heard evidence from police about poor management, which the bar claims is inaccurate.

An appeal is now being lodged and the current opening hours will remain until magistrates hear the case.

Currently, alcohol can be sold until 2am on Friday nights, and until 1am on Thursdays and Saturdays. Last orders are called at midnight on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and 11pm on Sundays.

Mrs Heath and Mr Sawyer, a barman who was promoted last month, wish to take over the PEL which permits alcohol sales after 11pm.

They also want to extend Moloko's capacity from 250 to 330.

Peter Saville, representing Hampshire police, told the committee: "We have concerns about the management of these premises."

The force is pressing for the bar's licence to be revoked altogether. Magistrates are due to make a decision in February, after a hearing was adjourned last week.

Officers provided councillors with a 24-page dossier on inspections and reported crimes at Moloko since August 2002.

Despite the arrival of new licensees, police say the bar is still causing them concern.

"It will make absolutely no difference whose name is on the PEL," said Sergeant Steve French.

Kenneth Pain, for Moloko, said: "Since Mrs Heath and Mr Sawyer have been the licensees, there have been no serious complaints about the running of the premises."

Mr Pain said the police evidence was unsound: "It's all innuendo and unsubstantiated intelligence given by people who clearly have an axe to grind."

Mr Pain said Mrs Heath planned to sue the city council for publishing the dossier.

Cllr John Beveridge defended the police. "There's such a quantity of evidence there that I will suggest that some of it must be true," he said.

Mrs Heath said: "I'm afraid we're a victim of our own popularity. Everyone wants to drink in our bar, and that's why our name gets bandied around so much."