Police opposition to Blackpool takeaway opening hours extension after owner attacked
“It was noted that the premises had not proposed any conditions related to door staff on the premises.”
A bid by a Blackpool town centre restaurant and takeaway to open until 5am has been refused after police raised concerns - particularly after several assaults on the premises were reported.
Fusion Bites, based at 54 Talbot Road, submitted an application to Blackpool Council to obtain a premises licence for the first time.
Applicants CM worldwide Ltd requested permission for the provision of late night refreshment, covering Monday to Sunday between the hours of 11pm and 5am, with opening hours from 8am through to 5am each Monday to Sunday.
The applicants stressed that the licence would not be used to allow alcohol or live music, but simply to provide food at a later hour each night.
However, police objected to the plans, raising concerns that the operators had a lack of experience of early hours opening, had no current CCTV provision at the time of the application and no door security in a location on a busy street close to late night bars.
They also raised concerns about an incident in which a customer assaulted members of staff and his own girlfriend on the premises.
At the hearing of Blackpool Council’s licensing panel last Thursday, Muhammad Zubair, who would be the responsible person for the premises explained that he had been involved in the running of other similar premises in the late night economy.
Mr Zubair highlighted the investment in the premises and that suitable CCTV had been installed to promote the Licensing Objective of Prevention of Crime and Disorder.
Mr Zubair concluded by explaining that a number of the incidents of concern highlighted by the Police had occurred while the premises were not operating.
Sergeant Nat Cox, Lancashire Constabulary, presented the objections of the Police to the granting of a Premises Licence.
A report on the meeting said: “Sergeant Cox highlighted that the premises were located within the Cumulative Impact Zone due to the high levels of crime and disorder.
“It was noted that the premises had not proposed any conditions related to door staff on the premises.
“Sergeant Cox re-emphasised the concerns of the Police regarding the premises and its location within the night time economy.”
The Licensing Panel considered carefully the evidence submitted by both parties. It noted that the premises were within the Cumulative Impact Zone which created a reputable presumption against the granting of further licences.
The panel refused the licence in view of the concerns about the operation of the premises while not licensed and the lack of additional controls offered, citing the impact on an area already experiencing high levels of crime and disorder.