Blackpool takeaways face wrath of police

Police are demanding two town centre takeaways close earlier amid claims late-night opening is fuelling crime.
Pizza Luigi on Dickson Road, BlackpoolPizza Luigi on Dickson Road, Blackpool
Pizza Luigi on Dickson Road, Blackpool

Pizza Luigi and Heatwave on Dickson Road, Blackpool, were both found to be serving customers after 5am in breach of their licences during visits by police and council licensing officers in July, according to council reports.

Under the terms of its licence, Pizza Luigi must close at 5am, while Heatwave (which previously operated as Al Goucha) is licensed until 4.45am.

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A council licensing panel has heard evidence from police and licensing chiefs seeking an earlier closing time for both premises.

Sgt Helen Parkinson, of Blackpool Police, says in a statement to the panel: “It is clear a lot of disorder is due to people remaining on the streets in this area once they have left the nightclubs, to get food.”

During a visit to Pizza Luigi at 5.10am on July 30, police say they saw “several customers eating food and hot food being prepared by staff”.

Meanwhile, on a separate occasion officers say they witnessed 10 to 15 customers waiting for food at Heatwave at 5.16am.

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Recent incidents police have been called to in the area have included a fight at 5.10am on July 3 involving five people.

Police also said they had concerns about the lack of doorstaff and CCTV.

Both premises have previously had their late night refreshment licences reviewed due to concerns. A decision following the hearings, held at Blackpool Town Hall, is expected today.