LIVERPOOL's most exclusive nightclub vowed to stamp out cocaine use after police uncovered evidence of drug taking .

Empty wraps of the Class A drug were found at the celebrity haunt PlayGround, based at the Hilton hotel.

Traces of cocaine were found in six separate areas, including the no-expense-spared VIP area.

A licensing review was held today after a 67-year-old staff member was punched in the face in the early hours of Sunday, February 3.

After officers shut down the premises on safety grounds, they found evidence of drug taking inside.

Inspector Mark Lawes, who was on duty that  night, told the hearing: “There were traces of cocaine residue on six separate surfaces within the main area and VIP area.

“They were on flat surfaces in straight lines.

“The only wraps that were found were in the main area.”

The meeting was told how police were called to the PlayGround, on Thomas Steers Way, by Liverpool ONE security who had seen clubbers ejected from the nightclub fighting with door staff.

One member of staff was punched and knocked to the floor at the entrance to the club. A 21-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault and later released on bail.

Police closed the club down after a second incident saw three men arguing with door staff, one of whom was “covered in blood”.

Insp Lawes said: “As people left the premises I heard glass being smashed coming from my right, towards the John Lewis store.

“This glass may have been directed at the police cordon.

“The majority left the premises without complaint but a number of males refused to move away.”

Insp Lawes believed some clubbers had tried to sneak out drinks “because they had spent large amounts of money” on them.

The PlayGround was told to introduce drug-scanning technology including cocaine-scanning systems on entry and regular testing in the toilets and public areas.

Staff must be better trained and an ejection book must be filled in when drugs are suspected. Drugs warning signs will be placed across the club.

The club also volunteered to replace the designated premises supervisor, the person who has day-to-day responsibility for the running of the business.

Karl Bruder, representing the club, told the hearing that the PlayGround had a “blemish-free” record until now.

He said: “There is no doubt the club accept this [drug use]  is a weak area and any help they can get in addressing this is welcome.”

Mr Bruder said the premises had already implemented the drug-scanning technology and other measures.

The PlayGround was launched by George Panayiotou in December, 2011, and quickly become the celebrity nightspot of choice in the North West.