A judge has visited the site of a proposed seafront £1.5 million night club and heard how a similar venture runs without problems for residents.

Judge David Rennie and two magistrates felt the trip would help them decide whether Po Na Na should get a late-night drinking licence for a new venue with a 1,040 capacity at the Aquarium Terraces in Madeira Drive, Brighton.

Po Na Na is appealing against a decision by Brighton Magistrates to refuse the 2am licence following objections about increased noise and crime from the police and residents.

On the second day of the appeal, Lewes Crown Court heard yesterday how another Po Na Na club in London was well run with no significant public disorder problems.

Psychologist Peter Marsh, who has 20 years experience researching the links of alcohol with public disorder and nuisance, said he had been very impressed with the company's operation.

Mr Marsh described how the Hammersmith Po Na Na overcame the problem of illegal taxis and people trying to get a cab home with staff arranging taxis through one local firm as customers left.

He said: "It works extremely well, it's a very simple approach but it does solve a lot of the difficulties."

The court also heard from an acoustics expert about noise levels and a civil engineer about the availability of transport for clubbers returning home.

On Monday, police withdrew their opposition after Po Na Na agreed to close at 1am and install a CCTV link to the police station.

The appeal was due to finish today.