A nightclub has closed its doors after police accused the management of trying to set up a lap-dancing club without a proper licence.

Police said the managers of the Brighton Gloucester in Gloucester Place, Brighton, had been auditioning lap dancers and table dancers without applying for an adult entertainment licence.

The nightclub has not opened for more than a week and is no longer being leased to Waterstone Management, the business accused of trying to start up the adult club.

Police threatened the club with closure on March 17. They said it was also continuing to offer irresponsible "free bar" drinks promotions despite being warned to stop and operating without a proper premises supervisor.

They warned unless the club began operating responsibly within seven days officers could approach magistrates to shut it indefinitely.

The Gloucester has not opened for business since.

Waterstone Management began renting the club from owners C-side five or six weeks ago.

Simon Woplin, operations manager of C-side, confirmed yesterday C-side had stopped leasing the club to Waterstone but declined to comment further.

Sergeant Peter Castleton of the licensing team said: "I am pleased the club is no longer being leased to Waterstone. We will be more than happy to see the premises open again as a well-run business."

Barry Leigh, environment spokesman of the North Laine Community Association, said: "Of course we're pleased; that goes without saying. It's good the police take notice of these things and don't let them get away with it."

Police have powers to close clubs and pubs that are acting irresponsibly or where trouble breaks out thanks to the new licensing laws introduced last year.

Waterstone Management was not available for comment.