OSAKA -- Theme park Universal Studios Japan will suspend its popular night-time performance following revelations it was using fireworks in violation of a local government permit, its operator said Friday.

USJ Co. on Friday withdrew its application with Osaka Prefecture for use of fireworks originally slated for the August performance of the Hollywood Magic show.

The attraction, featuring nightly displays of fireworks, dancers and singers, will be suspended until the company probes its own suspected violation, files another application and a permit is granted by the prefecture.

A USJ official said it is not known when the show will be resumed, but the firm hopes it will be soon.

On Wednesday, local authorities searched the premises over allegations the theme park was using more rockets than had been permitted.

The case was the latest in a series of scandals that have hit the popular theme park in recent weeks, including revelations that its restaurants had served expired food and that a drinking fountain had been dispensing untreated industrial water.