A ladies-only nightclub in Soho has again been refused a licence to remain open until 3am by Westminster Council.

The council first turned down the application from Candy Bar – which is located on Carlisle Street in Soho – in July 2005, but the club appealed against the decision, arguing that it is the only exclusively lesbian bar in Westminster.

Magistrates upheld the decision however, saying that the bar is located “in the council’s stress area and contravenes its licensing policy”. The council was awarded £15,000 in costs.

Audrey Lewis, Westminster Council’s cabinet member for licensing, said: “Regardless of the type of bar, to extend the opening hours would go against our robust licensing policy in the West End.”

The Candy Bar, which opened in October 1996, has a licence until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights. It covers three levels including a long ground floor bar and basement dance bar and offers pole dancing and striptease on certain nights.