CLUB 195 will remain closed for the time being while the district council arranges for a full hearing into the conditions of its licence.

At a licensing sub-committee meeting yesterday, councillors decided the controversial Epping club's licence should remain temporarily suspended following a mass brawl outside its premises last weekend, which involved more than 100 people.

Members of the public and press were excluded from the meeting at the last minute following a request by the nightspot's lawyers, who argued that evidence would be heard which could potentially prejudice future court cases.

Essex Police have revealed a catalogue of violence linked to the venue in Cottis Lane, and say 47 criminal incidents have been investigated there over the past year.

A spokeswoman for the district council said: “The decision to keep the licence suspended for the time being has been upheld pending a full hearing.”

The date for the full hearing has yet to be set, but it is expected it will be some time this month.