The number of people using a new seafront nightspot has been restricted by councillors.

Despite police objections, Brighton and Hove City Council granted a provisional public entertainments licence for Po Na Na at the Aquarium Terraces.

But it restricted the licence to an initial six months and said the maximum number allowed inside should be 1,000. Closing time will be up to 3am but not later than 12.30am on Sundays.

Police objected on the grounds that it could increase problems of drunkenness and public disorder in the area.

The Kingscliffe Society said there were eight clubs in the area and the proposed capacity of 1,750 was too big for a building near people's homes. There could also be problems with car doors slamming and noise as people left the area in the early hours of the morning.

But Po Na Na said it had wide experience of operating venues in other parts of the UK and liked to get on with neighbours.

The company is talking to the police about employing wardens, the possibility of paying for extras officers, and paying for a bus service to take customers from the seafront.

Councillor Jeane Lepper, who chairs the licensing sub-committee, said: "We have given them an opportunity to show they can do it responsibly.

"They have shown elsewhere they can be good managers and by restricting the numbers and granting it for six months, we can see how it works here."