'Everyone has a plan until they are punched in the face'

CLAIM THAT OPENING OF NEW ARENA INTO EARLY HOURS COULD DAMAGE REPUTATION OF CITY'S NIGHT LIFE

- ETHAN DAVIES

A ROW between Manchester's largest venues has intensified, with the AO Arena suggesting Co-op Live's licence application is 'simply unlawful' But Co-op Live hit back at the AO Arena by accusing it of making a 'ludicrous and disingenuous' objection to the £385million venue's opening.

Its barrister, Jeremy Phillips KC, also repeated claims that AO's objection was 'only about trade protection.

His comments came as the hearing into the licence application came to a close after two days of discussion in the town hall which have featured mudslinging from both sides.

Gary Grant, representing AO Arena operators ASM Global, said his client took an interest because 'we are significant stakeholders in Manchester's cultural and leisure life! Although ASM accepted they had no issue with the 23,500-capacity venue opening until midnight, the firm railed against a bid to keep Co-op Live's 'ancillary spaces' - a series of restaurants and bars around its main auditorium that can hold 6,000 people - open until 2am at the weekend.