A nightclub is bidding to become Bradford's first all-night dance venue - a year after licensing rules were relaxed.

Bradford's drive to become a 24-hour city, announced last April, looked in danger of being a flop after none of the city's clubs expressed an interest.

But one - the Boilerhouse in Manor Row - has now finally taken the initiative and submitted an application to Bradford Council. And the new management at Club Rhythmland (formerly TFU) in Hall Ings say they will be next.

Bosses at both clubs will have to satisfy strict criteria and demonstrate they have achieved Drugswatch status if they are to stay open until dawn.

This means they must have fully trained bouncers, staff trained in first aid, provide 'chill out rooms' and water on demand for punters. Last orders for alcoholic drinks will continue to be called at 2am.

They will also be expected to work closely with police and undercover officers will patrol the premises.

Dean Loynes, manager of the Boilerhouse, said: "We are working closely with the police and the council, we are the first in Bradford to try this and if we get permission it will be a professionally-run outfit."

Sergeant Chris Plowman of Bradford police said: "The application from the Boilerhouse is the first we have received for an all-night dance licence. It is receiving full consideration by the police, the Drugswatch management committee and the licensing authority.

"We are happy to work with the staff of both clubs, we want the same thing as them, we want the city centre to be a lively and safe place for people and for people to feel safe.

"The final decision will be the decision of the council's licensing and property sub-committee."

Committee chairman Malcolm Slater (Lab, Keighley) confirmed an application from the Boilerhouse was under consideration and added:

"This is the first application we have had, I hope it isn't the only one. It's all about developing Bradford's evening economy and making a vibrant city."

He said he did not know why clubs had been so slow to take advantage of the new rules:

"The Council has done its best, by providing a framework for 24 hour activities, but clearly people have to look at commercial considerations," he said.

"We are starting off later than other cities like Leeds, but hopefully doing things better - perhaps having learned from other people's errors."

Clem Bloomfield, 35, and Dean Lister, 27, the new bosses of Club Rhythmland in Hall Ings say they will be the next club to apply under the new rules.

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