A BAR company is facing fierce opposition from police and the council in its bid to open a major new venue in York.

Revolucion de Cuba has been planning to open in part of the old BHS store in New Street since early last year. The company has now made a second alcohol licensing application, bidding to open as late as 2.30am on weekends, after withdrawing an earlier proposal.

Police are opposing the plans, claiming York cannot cope with more big bars.

Inspector Andy Godrey, who is in charge in the city centre, has written to the council’s licensing department, citing problems his officers already face as more shops are converted into bars, bringing drinkers to the city.

“Licensed premises occupying empty retail units on traditional retail streets has created a clash between shoppers/tourists and those intent in using the city centre to drink to excess,” he said.

Another 600-800 capacity bar will simply add to the problems in an existing hot spot, he added, and he believes “the city centre cannot cope with any more large scale drinking establishments”.

The force’s objection also says that details of the bar plans - like late night opening until 2.30am, a large first floor bar and a lack of fixed seating - all point towards it becoming a “vertical drinking establishment” - somewhere people stand up and generally drink more, rather than a restaurant.

Police have already objected to several planning applications made for the site, but last year the bar company was given permission for a change of use and alterations to the building.

Now council staff have backed the police points and a licensing enforcement officer has written to the licensing committee. The letter says that as New Street falls within York’s “Cumulative Impact Zone” (CIZ) it should not get a licence.

The CIZ is imposed to stop more bars opening in an area that already has problems with drinking and disruption. The letter says the applications have not explained why their plans should be exempt, and allowing the licence would undermine efforts to fight crime, disorder and public nuisance.

The application will be decided next week, but could be appealed in court.