A new bar and street food venue has been rejected by magistrates after the owners appealed a refused alcohol licence.
Canny Leisure Group North East Limited had applied for an alcohol licence from North Tyneside Council for 75 Park View, Whitley Bay, also known as the banqueting hall. If granted, the premises would have been able to serve alcohol from 11am until 11pm Sunday through Wednesday, 11am until 11.30pm on Thursday, and from 11am until midnight on Friday and Saturday.
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The premises would also host an area for street food.
The application was heard by North Tyneside’s Licensing Sub-committee, where several members of the public and the ward councillor John O’Shea voiced their concerns and objections. The application was rejected by the committee on the basis of the safety of pedestrians outside the establishment and the possibility of further public disorder given the number of existing licensed bars and restaurants in the area.
One resident wrote to the local authority in November 2021 saying “I also own a business on Park View, a shop I opened August 1 2020, and would also be concerned about the potential increase in public disorder and potential crime caused by a bar with such a large capacity and with a late licence. I am also concerned it will set a precedent for other bars on the street to also apply for a late licence.”
Canny Leisure subsequently appealed the decision but the court upheld the refusal.
Responding to the rejected appeal, Coun John O’Shea said: “My view is that Whitley Bay is becoming a very vibrant place to be. Certainly as far as alcohol licensing applications are concerned I see no problems with small cafes and restaurants, but a 300 capacity venue at the banqueting hall was just too much, and in my view would be causing major concerns around parking and public nuisance.”
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