ARTS venue SWG3 will be able to remain open until 3am despite being based outwith the city centre.

Glasgow’s licensing policy states certain city centre premises can open until 3am while other clubs must shut by 2am.

However, the Council’s Licensing Board has ruled SWG3 can now extend its hours, after staff put a convincing case to the committee.

Police Scotland requested “robust policies” are put in place to ensure licensing rules are followed.

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The SWG3 representative said: “It is without doubt one of the most significant multi-purpose venues not only in Glasgow, or Scotland, but internationally.

“We have a proven track record of good management and excellent organisation.

“This is not simply a commercial application, it’s not simply a nightclub trying to breach the policy and gain an extra hour.”

He admitted it was a “beyond policy” application but said it is a “unique” venue, which offers a range of entertainment, including live music, food festivals and club nights as well as artists’ studios.

Three staff members joined the representative at the meeting and their knowledge of licensing and safety issues was praised by board chairman Matt Kerr.

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They said staff were given a taxi allowance to ensure they get home safe while security are told to watch out for females travelling home alone.

The venue has also been granted permission to allow children and young people in until 11pm after it argued this would “reflect the situation in other major venues”.

The representative said other premises, such as the O2 Academy and Barrowland Ballroom, had an 11pm cut-off.

He said SWG3 has no intention of pursuing a 4am licence, which a number of city centre clubs are currently trying out under a pilot scheme.

Future plans to create a community garden in an area of recently-acquired woodland were also revealed by the applicants. This would be combined with extra artists’ studios.

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The University of Glasgow submitted a letter of support alongside the application.