Blackpool bar owner set for planning battle

Stephen Hadfield opened the Lazy Toad, in the former AJ’s Bistro in Topping Street late last year,

But he’s now been told by authorities he may have to close as he doesn’t have planning permission to operate as a drinking establishment.

Mr Hadfield, who previously ran the Cedar Tavern and Bierkeller, says he could lose more than £75,000 if he is forced to shut and believes the council is ‘out to shut him down’.

Blackpool Council says that although Mr Hadfield has the right licence, he does not have permission to change the use of the premises from a restaurant to a pub.

Mr Hadfield, who admits his premises do not currently serve food, said: “I can’t believe they have told me I will have to shut down.

“I’ve not had it in writing yet but that is what they have said.

“I don’t think I’ve done anything wrong, I really don’t know why they are doing this.

“I applied for a minor change to the licence, the police objected so I made it a major change instead.

“That was passed, I’ve done everything I was asked to do, I’ve made all the changes they wanted, I’ve not had any problems.

“Now this.”

Mr Hadfield first became aware of the planning issue when he was advised about complaints about lights outside the bar. He claims planning officials have told him there is ‘no way’ he will be given permission to convert the former bistro into a bar.

He said: “I’m in for £50,000 with Same Day Beer, I’ve spent £25,000 on the place.

“I’ve put my own money into the place and now I’m told this.

“Why didn’t they raise the planning issue when I was sorting the licence?

“I’m ready to fight this because I stand to lose a lot.”

Mr Hadfield, whose experience in the Blackpool pub trade stretches back to 2003, says regular clients have put their names to a petition to keep the bar open.

He insists there have not been any issues with police and that he has established a steady customer base.

But Blackpool Council is clear on its stance, saying no matter what licensing rules Mr Hadfield complies with, the Lazy Toad falls foul of planning laws.

A spokesman said: “This is not a licensing issue.

“What he wants to do constitutes a change from retail or restaurant use to a pub or bar. It is a drinking establishment.

“He does not have planning permission for that use.

“We have made it clear that permission will not be granted for the change of use to a drinking establishment in this area.”