More than 1,000 people have signed a petition to save a live music venue from dropping gigs for under-18s.

Concorde 2 in Madeira Drive may have to cancel its popular all ages shows from November if the club is banned from serving alcohol when younger fans are present.

Christina Haynes, one of the venue's directors, said strict rules are already in place and fears changing them would make it impossible to host under-18 gigs.

Separate events for the different age groups could be held instead but without bar profits the rent would almost double.

Music promoters have said having separate events would be a tragedy and launched a petition in the hope Brighton and Hove City Council will take the issue into consideration when making a decision about the club's future later this month.

So far 1,400 people, including parents of under-18s, have signed the petition.

Lisa Maisey, of Lout Promotions, said the response had been fantastic and the number of names was increasing rapidly.

She said: "This is the only venue in the area that provides affordable shows in a safe environment. The fans are also very aware the shows generate a mixed age crowd. Making them either under-18 or over-18 will mean not enough people will attend and these touring bands will no longer be able to play in Brighton."

To sign the petition visit www.saveourgigs.com/