Late licence bids spark protests (From Warrington Guardian)

Late licence bids spark protests

RESIDENTS are opposing bids by pubs in Mow Cop and Alsager to serve alcohol until midnight and beyond.

The Crown Inn at Mount Pleasant, Mow Cop, and The Old Mill Hotel in Alsager are seeking premises licences from Congleton Borough Council.

The applications have sparked opposition from people living nearby, with seven residents objecting to the Crown licence bid.

One of the residents complained about loud music and karaoke evenings, as well as the use of the beer garden until late at night.

"Since the Inn has opened there have been a number of incidents of vandalism to local properties, such as garden ornaments broken and damage to cars," said the residents.

"When leaving the Inn some of the patrons are rowdy, and fights have occurred."

Other critics said customers sped through the village in their cars with stereos blaring, and language from customers using the beer garden was "foul."

Congleton Borough Council has served notices on the landlord requiring him to end noise from a cooling fan and to close the garden at dusk or 9pm, whichever is the earlier.

The pub is seeking a licence to sell alcohol until 12.40am Monday to Thursday night, 1.40am on Friday and Saturday and 12.10am on Sunday.

The hours sought by The Old Mill are midnight Monday to Thursday and Sunday, and 1am on Friday and Saturday.

Two residents are opposing the application because of problems with noise and drink-related crime.

Both applications were to be discussed yesterday.