BUSINESSES face an anxious wait to discover if an extra taxi rank will be started in Southgate Street.
The idea has been slammed by both the New County Hotel and Cafe Rene which says it will be a magnet for trouble and create mayhem at kicking-out time.
A 28-day public consultation with police and the Highways Authority will now be carried out before a final decision is made on the plans later this year.
Councillors voted in favour of a recommendation to review Hackney Carriage ranks in Gloucester city centre at the latest licensing and enforcement committee.
Chris Atine, manager at Cafe Rene, said there is not enough trade to support a taxi rank in Southgate Street.
"It is difficult economic times and I can understand why taxi drivers are looking for new revenue streams, but a rank would not work at this end of Southgate Street," he said.
"We have changed as a business and now see more people making a night of it at Cafe Rene and stopping for food rather than a quick drink.
"There used to be several taxi firms turning up speculatively for fares, and with no CCTV here or taxi marshalls there was a lot of noise for our neighbours to have to deal with late at night. Now we book taxis for our customers, it is a much better situation."
The consultation will also look into the merits of further ranks near the Quays in High Orchard Street, and also around King's Quarter.
Unused ranks in Quay Street and Brunswick Road will be retained in case vacant nightspots at the former Envy, Lansons and Jumpin' Jaks sites are taken on in future.
The city council is launching a new website in August with up to date information on taxi ranks around Gloucester.
