Plans for one of the UK's most widespread bans on new pubs and clubs has been delayed after it emerged the consultation was flawed.

Lawyers have warned that without more discussion on the proposals Brighton and Hove City Council could be dragged through the courts.

The cumulative impact zone will limit the number of new licensed premises.

New venues will have to prove they will not add to the cumulative impact of drinking establishments in central Brighton and Hove, which police believe is saturated with late night venues.

Sussex Police, which is behind the move, has said it is aimed at bar owners who pack people in without sufficient seating and serve cheap booze. New restaurants and cafes are not likely to fall foul of the law.

The ban was first revealed in The Argus last year but has been expanded by police both eastwards and westwards.

The final proposal spans Holland Road, Hove, to Upper Rock Gardens, Kemp Town, Brighton, with Western Road and Edward Street as the northern-most point through most of the zone.

An upper section bounded approximately by Queen Street, Trafalgar Street and Grand Parade, taking in Brighton station and North Laine, has also been included.

But The British Beer and Pub Association has raised concerns over the consultation process and the size of the area.

A spokesman of the association said: "It's a bit like putting speed cameras on every road in Brighton."

Councillor Dee Simson is chairwoman of the council's licensing committee which has decided to put the plans back out to consultation.

She said: "The question of whether we create a cumulative impact policy for Brighton and Hove is a big decision and it is important that we get it right.

"That's why the committee has agreed to allow more time to work on this issue and consider the views of all sides."

Rachel Fryer, a Green Councillor on the licensing committee, said she was disappointed the move had been delayed as she believed enough evidence had already been presented by the police.

She said: "The police are doing a tremendous job of keeping the lid on problems in the city centre.

"However, this report reveals that the problems are spreading out from West Street, this week dubbed the second most dangerous street in Sussex, into Western Road, St James's Street and beyond.

"We don't need more research. Compelling evidence makes the case for a cumulative impact zone to help the police and protect local residents, many of whom suffer sleepless nights because of the noise disturbance from pubs and clubs.

"I share the residents' view that licensing regulations are weighted very much in the favour of pubs, clubs and restaurants.

"A zone would help address this imbalance."

As a result of the decision a revised licensing policy, without a cumulative impact policy, will be presented to policy and resources on Thursday.

A further report dealing with the proposed new limits will be brought back to a later licensing committee meeting.

Is a ban on new pubs and clubs too heavy-handed? Or is the move needed to reduce late-night antisocial behaviour in the city? Tell us what you think below.