A community is divided as a Woolton bar faces possible sanctions over concerns around crime and disorder.
A little more than a year ago, Loft Bar on Allerton Road was granted permission by Liverpool Council to extend its alcohol licence until 1am. Now, the venue could have its terms tightened after Merseyside Police requested the local authority review its licence.
The force has raised queries about the bar’s ability to ensure it is preventing crime and disorder and as such, will be assessed by a three-person panel later this month.
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The decision has split the community in south Liverpool, with dozens coming out in support of the bar, calling on the licensing body not to sanction the venue. However, a number of cases have been put forward for restrictions to be placed on Loft.
Among those include Woolton Village ward member Cllr Malcolm Kelly. The Liberal Democrat councillor said: “Residents regularly contact me or speak to me about their concerns with the premises, which causes them to not feel safe walking past.
“There is a general perception that the premises are a cause of anti-social behaviour, rowdiness and crime and disorder with people being outside them.” He added how since the terms of the new licence were agreed last year, he had received numerous complaints about noise.
In a bid to mitigate the issues, Cllr Kelly suggested the terminal hour at Loft be reduced to midnight on Friday and Saturday. The bar’s original licence allowed the venue to open until 12.30am and serve alcohol until the same time on Fridays and Saturdays.
It has since extended its rear smoking area and renamed it to “Garden Lounge”. It can currently open until 1am and serve alcohol for two further days, from Thursday to Sunday.
The licence is held by UMUT 1 Co Ltd and its director Irina Isaeva who is also the designated premises supervisor. One person who has also written in support of the licence review said Loft had attracted “undesirable people into the village.”
They said: “With the extension of licensing hours The Loft has turned into a nightclub. Woolton is a village with a dense population of homeowners, many with children and the elderly. I am often afraid to walk through the village late at night. We do not need a nightclub.”
Many however, have spoken out in favour of the Woolton bar, with 45 respondents urging the committee not to sanction it. One wrote: “I know this business and attend there a lot.
“I feel safe and think they have high safety procedures in place, the Loft is a brilliant asset to Woolton village and it would be a huge loss without it.” Another respondent said: “I have always found Loft a friendly place to meet other people and socialise.
“It has always been part of the village community and would be very missed if it wasn't there.” One person said such was their confidence in the location, they have travelled 10 miles by bus to visit and “have no problems telling all my friends and family to come here and feel safe.”
The review will be heard at Liverpool Town Hall on July 19.
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