A cocktail bar and cafe business is hoping to secure a licence to operate out of a former bookmaker's in Liverpool city centre.
An application has been lodged by Neon Coco Ltd to trade until 2am on weekends at a location formerly occupied by William Hill on Castle Street. The proposals, put forward by Adam Roche Ramsey, seek to allow the business to operate from 10am to midnight from Monday to Thursday.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the bar would sell alcohol, play music and remain open until 2am, should Liverpool Council ’s licensing and gambling sub-committee give its approval next month. The upper ground floor space is currently vacant since the previous William Hill branch closed.
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The building itself, Mason House, is a Grade II listed site, with apartments on the upper floors and had previously housed Franco's restaurant on the lower ground floor until its closure after 16 years in 2015. While no objections have been received by the local authority, Merseyside Police or environmental health, the council have been handed representation by a Castle Street resident.
In a written response, the resident wrote: “My main concern with this application is the listed operating hours, and more concerning the entertainment licensing operating hours being applied for. I am under no illusion of the area that I reside, and completely understand that there is likely to be some noise from time to time, even although this was not the case when I purchased the property.
“I however believe that the granting of an additional licence in the area represents an over subscription.” The resident said entry to the building was “constantly filled with litter, empty drinks, vomit and people urinating on our doorstep.
“Not only this but we must fight to get past people and 2nd hand smoke to enter our building.” Despite listing their concerns, the resident did offer an indication of how they felt the bar could operate in collaboration with neighbours.
The correspondent said a reduction in the bar’s terminal hours could be applied to midnight, “in line with other local bars”. Premises licensees should also work with local business and residents to minimise any disruption due to licensable activities, according to the response.
The proposals by Coco Neon will be considered by the sub-committee on Thursday November 17 at 10am in Liverpool Town Hall.
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