Redbridge Council has vowed to "firmly contest" continued efforts by a nightclub to overturn a decision to restrict its hours.

Last month Funky Mojoe failed in a landmark High Court challenge to a decision by Redbridge Council to cut its opening hours due to crime and anti-social behaviour.

It was the first time the High Court had ruled on a nightclub’s opening hours.

The nightclub did not request a right to appeal during the hearing, so one was not granted.

But owners have decided to continue their expensive legal challenge after failing to secure a judicial review.

The High Court ordered the nightclub to pay the council’s legal costs of £127,000.

A Redbridge Council statement today said: "The council has been informed that the operator of Funky Mojoe, in High Road, South Woodford, has made an application to the Court of Appeal for permission to appeal against the High Court decision.

"If permission is granted, the council intends to firmly contest the Appeal.  No application has been made for any kind of further stay of the Magistrates’ Court decision of 7 November, which means that all licensable activity must cease at 11pm (11.30pm on a Friday and Saturday), and all patrons must leave 30 minutes later.

"The premises operated on Saturday 8 March as a ‘bring your own bottle’ event, with no alcohol being sold on the premises and only a live radio broadcast being played, so there was no regulated entertainment taking place.

"As no alcohol was sold, there was no licensable activity, so the conditions of the premises’ licence were not engaged. Council Officers monitored the event and will continue to monitor any future events to ensure that if any licensable activity takes place the conditions of the licence are enforced."

Kerry O’Riley, director of Funky Mojoe, said yesterday the club is fighting for its staff and customers.

She said: "The situation is very upsetting. It is important to keep 52 people in their jobs, and that is what we are fighting this for. The area needs this venue and it helps other local businesses to grow."

The Guardian has asked Funky Mojoe’s legal representatives for clarification on what grounds they are appealing on.