A manager at one of the district’s biggest nightclubs inists licensed premises are not wholly responsible for late night disruption.

The Luxe nightclub in High Road, Loughton, claim trouble is caused when people gather around food outlets in the town and staff are powerless to act.

He said: “After a night out people want food. The Loughton BBQ is open until 2pm and right opposite our club and people gather there when they come out.

“We have a policy not to serve people at the bar if they are too drunk and anyone who is too drunk will be asked to leave the premises.

“People aren’t going to leave here sober but that’s true of any pub or club.

"Our bouncers can't police the streets. They aren't allowed to touch anyone, they can only direct people or ask them to move away."

He added: “We have never served drinks in glassware since we’ve been here and yet we are still blamed for incidents of broken glass found in the High Road."

Club 195 in Cottis Lane, Epping, scans identity documents on entry to create a database which can be used to monitor customers.

The Luxe spokesman added: “I think it’s a fantastic thing the Club 195 guys are doing and it’s something we definitely want to put in here.

“We have difficulty with space to put it but we are looking at ways to we can get Club Scan here.

“We also want to employ security dogs to prevent trouble and hope to have them by Christmas as long as it complies with our license and health and safety.

"We will do all we can to minimise disruption and ensure the safety of local residents."

Police have deployed more officers to Loughton on Friday and Saturday nights and as a result have seen more crime recorded for antisocial behaviour.

They have now pledged more patrols to tackle the situation.

The Guardian is awaiting comment from Loughton BBQ.