POPULAR nightclub The Garage has been handed a 4am licence despite neighbours voicing concerns over excessive noise, including sectarian chanting.

Licensing chiefs backed the Sauchiehall Street venue’s bid to open until 4am but ordered an environmental health report into noise and refuse worries raised by nearby residents.

One neighbour, Jamie Kidd, claimed he often hears “sectarian singing, from both sides of that ugly coin”.

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He also said he was regularly woken up by shouting and fighting in the club’s smoking area as well as revellers singing ‘Happy Birthday’.

“I’ve lived there for 12 years,” he said. “That’s 4368 times hearing ‘Happy Birthday’ sang at midnight outside my door.”

Mr Kidd added that he was now taking medication to deal with sleep issues caused by living near to the club.

“If it was open until 4am, it would be hell for me,” he said. “I would like to see it reduced.”

Glasgow City Council’s Licensing Board received six letters and 17 emails objecting to The Garage’s application.

Dr Gareth Lipton, another neighbour, said the noise affected his sleep and his “ability to perform as a care giver”.

“I’m concerned that this extension might encourage unsocial and unhealthy behaviours,” he added.

Susan Lee Kidd, Mr Kidd’s wife, said they were also disrupted by bottle bins being emptied between 5 and 6am.

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A representative from a nearby hotel said guests had asked for refunds due to sleepless nights caused by their proximity to the club.

Bailie Josephine Docherty said she was concerned by the “vividness” of the complaints, adding it “must be terrible to live there”.

Archie MacIver, representing The Garage, said club bosses were not aware of any sectarian chanting.

“They have absolutely zero tolerance to it,” he said, adding anyone heard singing sectarian songs would be kicked out.

He said: “It’s very ironic the national club of the year, chosen by Best Bar None, is subject to the most complaints.”

Mr MacIver also revealed the club had signed a contract with a different waste company, ensuring glass would be collected between 11am and 3pm, and more stewards were now working in the smoking area to control noise.

Under a one-year pilot scheme, launched by Glasgow’s Licensing Board, clubs can apply to stay open until 4am.