A major leisure operator used a private investigator acting as a pub customer in a bid to block a licence application by a rival.

Ian Gomerson, a former policeman, told Bradford licensing panel how he bought meals at the popular Walkabout pub in Leeds while counting dancers, drinkers and diners.

He was employed by Luminar Leisure Plc - operators of Bradford's Chicago Rock Caf - which objected to a late licence application for Bradford's first planned £1.6 million Walkabout pub.

But the bid failed and Regent Inns Plc, which operate the Walkabouts, were granted a provisional special hours certificate which means alcohol can be sold until 2am.

The nearby Chicago Rock Caf also holds a certificate to open until the same time.

The new pub will be part of the multi-million pound Glydegate development in the city's West End.

The start of the development had been delayed for three months for a date to be fixed for the application in view of the objection.

Work is now expected to start within the next two weeks on the complex which will include a night club and new public square.

Chris Butler, acquisition and estates manager for Regent Inns, said he was delighted with the decision and hoped to open by Christmas.

Special hours certificates can only be allowed where alcohol is ancillary to dancing and music.

But Jeremy Allen for Luminar said he did not believe the new premises would meet the criteria. He said the company had looked at the Walkabout pub in Leeds to assess its predominant use.

Private investigator Ian Gomerson told how he counted dancers, drinkers and eaters at the Leeds Walkabout.

He said: "The main occupation was drinking and talking."

Licensing consultant Jack Thomas told magistrates he had visited Walkabouts across the country. He said there was some "spontaneous movement" to music at the bars.

But he added: "The thing which muddies the water is 'what is dancing'. That movement to music isn't dancing."

Suzanne Davis, representing Regent Inns, admitted movement at the bar was not "fully- fledged" dancing but requirements for drinking to be ancillary would be met at the new premises with its dancing facilities."