The Metropolitan Police had asked Hammersmith and Fulham Council to revoke the licence of Hammersmith Palais, in west London.

The force said it had become blighted by violent crime and disorder but instead of closure the council decided to cut the venue's opening hours.

It is thought to be the first time a UK force has tried to close a venue under new licensing laws bought in last year.

The Palais will now have to close at 2am on Saturday and Sunday, and midnight on Sunday - an hour earlier than at present.

Top bands

The ratio of doormen to customers has been increased from one to 100, to one to 75.

Other options open to the council had been to close the venue either permanently or temporarily.

The Palais has played host to a number of top bands in the past such as U2 and The Sex Pistols.