Priest's protest over pub license bid

G’s Bar on Augusta Place. (s)

IT MAY not quite be divine intervention but a priest in Leamington is protesting over a bid to allow a license for another new bar in the town centre.

Reverend John Cross, of St Peter's Church, has written a strongly-worded letter to Warwick District Council before it decides whether to grant a license to G's Bar in nearby Augusta Place at a meeting on Tuesday (January 31).

Of particular concern is the bar's location opposite St Peter's Primary School, plus the plans to also operate the bar as an off-licence.

He said: “How many bars and pubs do we need in Leamington? None are successful – as soon as one opens another seems to close.

“But for me the most important question is whether it is right for a bar to be situated next to a primary school? In my opinion it would have serious implications for the health, safety and well-being of the children, while I am also concerned for the safety of parishioners of the church.

“I vehemently oppose this application. The pubs and bars lower the tone of this pleasant and quiet residential area and as residents and businesses we don't want it.”

About a dozen other letters of objection have been sent to the council about the license application, from a school chair of governors and neighbouring residents including Carolyn Gifford who has logged every incident of nuisance around the bar – under its previous management - over the last four years.

Bosses of the bar want permission to sell alcohol from 10am to midnight Sunday to Thursday, and from 10am to 1am Friday and Saturday, as well host and play live and recorded music and operate as an off-licence on the site until 11pm throughout the week.

The district council's licensing panel will weigh up the application against its four stated objectives - prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance and protection of children from harm.

Visit www.leamingtonobserver.co.uk next week to see how they voted.

* PERMISSION has been granted for the opening of a new bar in Leamington town centre despite opposition from neighbours.

An application for a licence for the premises formerly known as Ocean bar on Oxford Street was granted by Warwick District Council licensing committee.

Residents complained life was 'hell on earth' before Ocean Bar close down last summer, with louts openly taking and selling drugs in the street, lewd behaviour, fighting, criminal damage and loud music.

They also raised concerns police cover at weekend was too thinly spread in the town to deal with another bar opening - something Warwickshire Police denied.

The new licence has however imposed reduced opening opening hours and tough noise restraints which were welcomed by residents.

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