A north-east nightclub business was facing collapse last night after running up debts of nearly £40,000.
The firm which runs the Cube Bar in Peterhead’s Chapel Street could be forced into liquidation after a legal challenge by the taxman.
It comes just weeks after licensing board officials rejected a bid to extend the pub’s opening hours following a plea by police.
The force said its resources would be over-stretched if the 150-capacity nightspot was allowed to stay open until 3am on weekends.
HM Revenue and Customs wants the company – listed as Four Chapel Street – to be wound up because it has been unable to pay back a sum of just over £36,444.
The action against the firm has been raised at Peterhead Sheriff Court. If successful, an interim liquidator will be appointed to wind up the business.
According to a public notice, the company has assets of just under £30,000.
No from the business could be reached for comment last night.
Earlier this year, Carl-Henning Hansen, who owns the Cube venue, pledged to appeal against Aberdeenshire Licensing Board’s decision to reject proposals for an opening hours extension.
He said that the late licence was needed to keep the struggling business afloat.
Mr Hansen, who took over the club 12 years ago, said he wanted The Cube to have the same closing time as two other nightclubs on nearby Queen Street.
Mr Hansen previously told the Press and Journal: “At the end of the day, we have a business in the town centre.
“It’s providing employment for local people, as well as enjoyment for our customers. I have to do what I can to keep the business going.”
Members of the board said Mr Hansen had failed to address public safety concerns raised by police.
A spokesman for the force said that extra staff would have to be brought in to police the area at 3am, which could tie up officers and prevent them from attending other emergency calls.
The club’s application for an opening hours extension attracted no objections from nearby residents or businesses.
In 2007, the Cube made headlines when it opened for 36-and-a-half hours over Hogmanay. The event was later praised by police for passing without incident.