It was a case of "third bar lucky" for York city centre when Edwards gained permission to open until midnight three evenings a week.

Last week Toffs, The Gallery and Ikon/Diva successfully persuaded the city's licensing justices not to permit Merlins and McMillans to stay open after 11pm.

But despite similar opposition from the three nightclubs, Edwards, in George Hudson Street, has won a provisional go-ahead for late night opening from the courts.

It has to make alterations inside including providing a designated area for people to eat sitting down, and managers must go before a transfer session on January 11 to get full approval, but staff are now planning to stay open until midnight on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from a date to be announced.

"We are obviously delighted," said Simon Plumbe, Edwards' retail business manager.

Police, residents and the City of York Council did not oppose the extended opening hours.

But Luminar Leisure, which controls the three nightclubs, objected on the grounds that customers used Edwards mainly for drinking.

But Edwards persuaded the justices that the main purpose of the bar was to provide music, dancing and "substantial" food.

newsdesk@ycp.co.uk