Residents win battle over Blackpool pub bid for later opening hours

A bid to extend opening hours at a Blackpool pub has been thrown out after neighbouring residents warned it would escalate existing late night noise disruption.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Councillors rejected an application by Melanie Talbot to extend the hours alcohol could be served at the New Road Inn on Talbot Road after hearing objections from three residents.

They said they were already suffering disturbance as a result of people drinking late at night at the venue which currently must stop serving booze at midnight from Monday to Wednesday, and at 12.30am Thursday to Sunday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

An application to extend the hours to 12.30am Monday to Thursday, 1.30am Friday and Saturday, and 1am on Sundays, was refused following a licensing panel held at the town hall.

Archive pic of the New Road InnArchive pic of the New Road Inn
Archive pic of the New Road Inn

A decision notice said "residents explained to the panel that they already suffered from nuisance resulting from the operation of this venue.

"They lived in properties nearby and regularly lost sleep due to the behaviour of customers in the property or leaving it. "

The notice added: "Whilst the panel took into consideration the measures offered by the applicant at the hearing, the representations from the residents led them to the conclusion that any increase in licensed hours would add to the nuisance already experienced."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Pierre Coulon, designated premises supervisor at the pub, told the hearing measures would be taken to reduce potential noise nuisance.

This included keeping windows closed, closing the rear smoking shelter at 11pm, and locking the corner door at 11pm so access would only be available from Talbot Road.

Mr Coulon, who previously ran the Paris Casino in the town, said he felt the extra hour would mean customers would leave the premises at staggered times rather than all at once thus reducing any noise impact.

The applicant has 21 days in which to appeal the panel's decision.