Police object to plans for late opening at Blackpool takeaway until 5am
Police are objecting to an application for a new premises licence at a takeaway food outlet in Blackpool town centre which would see it open until 5am each night.
The operators of Just Hungry, at 7 Topping Street, have applied to Blackpool Council for the premises license which will be considered by the licensing panel on Friday April 17.
If granted, it would see the business, which opened in November and offers a popular selection of hot food refreshments currently from 11am until 8pm, also open from 11pm to 5am from Monday to Sunday each week.
Police have objected on several grounds, pointing to the level of recorded crime in the area over the past two years, specifically within a 100 metre radius from the property.
The police also stated that the applicant has a recent drink-driving conviction.
However, the applicant says that Just Hungry will not be serving alcohol from the premises and has measures in place which adhere to Blackpool Council’s licensing objectives to maintain public safety.
PC Guy Harrison included data which looked at crime and ASB over a two-year period, from March 2024 to February 2026, within a 100m radius of 7 Topping street.
In application papers, he stated: “There have been 589 crimes reported in the last 2 years, of which 32% (188) had alcohol involvement.
“The highest crime type is violence against the person (54%, 317). Of the 317 reports, 45% (142) had alcohol involvement.”
He also stated: “On behalf of the Chief Officer of Police, having reviewed the application the Police make formal objections on the following grounds.
“The applicant Lablul Warid received a 12 weeks suspended prison sentence in September 2024 for Failing to Provide a Breath Specimen.
“He also received a three-year ban from driving. This offence would not be “spent” until September 2027 in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and is a relevant offence in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003.
“The Police believe that the licensing objective of preventing crime and disorder could be undermined by allowing such an application to proceed in these circumstances. “
But in the application, which listed Just Hungry Ltd’s address as the ground Floor of 48 White Horse Road, London, the applicant said: “The premises does not provide any alcoholic drinks, just soft drinks
“However, I will adhere to all licensing objectives to maintain a safe environment for my customers,”
Measures include having CCTV in place; maintaining an incident management logbook; abiding by drug and anti violence policies.
It was also stressed that the council’s own CCTV cameras were facing towards the premises at all times.