An alcohol licence has been granted for a business on Tynemouth's Front Street despite objections from Northumbria Police.
Cullercoats Coffee, on 69 Front Street, Tynemouth, had its application for a premises licence approved despite a recommendation to reject the application from police and concerns from local residents and Chris Johnston, a conservative councillor for Tynemouth.
Cullercoats Coffee company has been permitted an alcohol licence to serve customers alcohol in its outdoor space. People can now consume alcohol outside Monday to Sunday from 11am to 8.30pm.
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This is a reduction in the original applied for times of 11am to 11pm, Monday to Sunday. Written representations were submitted to North Tyneside Council's licensing sub committee by Tynemouth locals expressing concern over an 11pm closing time.
Northumbria Police wrote to the council and said: "Northumbria Police are aware that in normal circumstances the cumulative impact policy would not cover an off licence, however the situation with this application is the applicant is trying to cover both bases by offering an outside seating area in which to consume alcohol.
"The application is written in a way an on-licence application would be. Northumbria Police request that this application for an off-licence is refused."
The police also noted the opening times for the off-licence application did not reflect the standard hours of business for such an application.
Chris Johnston, Conservative councillor for Tynemouth, said: "I am disappointed that North Tyneside Council has seen fit to issue yet another licence to sell alcohol in Tynemouth. On Front Street alone there are now 24 premises where alcohol can be purchased.
"Nevertheless, I am relieved that the applicant has agreed to restrict sales to 8.30pm - from 11pm – and it is pleasing to see that coffee connoisseurs will now have a late night venue."
The Cullercoats Coffee Co. was approached for comment but did not respond.
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