Go ahead for Blackpool bar as licence is approved

A council licensing panel approved the application for JD Drinkwaters Ale House on Highfield Road in South Shore to serve alcohol until 11pm Monday to Wednesday and until midnight Thursday to Friday.

Two objections had been received from nearby residents who said there were already ”enough late drinking venues on Highfield Road” and warned the addition of another would lead to anti-social behaviour, late night noise and parking issues.

But the panel, in making its decision, said while it was a residential area and they understood the concerns, measures proposed to control the venue would “provide suitable protection for the residents and ensure the promotion of the licensing objectives.”

Councillors also ruled the proposed opening hours were “suitable for the location and were no later than other businesses in the vicinity. ”

The hearing, held online, heard concerns included businesses in the area sometimes having to clear up vomit from customers leaving existing licensed premises.

Applicant James Drinkwater said he wanted to work with other businesses in the area.

He told the panel: “We don’t want to fall out with anybody, we want to ensure that doesn’t happen.”

He added: “It is a residential area and we are following everything from the police mediation in regards to keeping doors and windows closed.

“We will have doorstaff on Friday and Saturday who will ensure this is done.”

Mr Drinkwater said his proposals would help restore Highfield Road “into a bustling” area once more, and suggested licensed venues in the area could consider working together on a small pub watch scheme.

The licence was granted including with conditions sought by the police who did not object to the application.

These include a ban on drinking outside after 10pm, doors and windows must be closed after 10pm and staff must urge customers to leave quietly.

* Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here