Allard's, a family run restaurant chain, is set to expand into Whitley Bay, after councillors approved an alcohol licence for the new premises this afternoon.
The new premises, 19 Seatonville Road, will operate with a drinks licence from Monday to Sunday from 10am to 11pm, with the exception of New Year's Eve and New Year's Day where it was granted an extended licence.
Public objections were raised following the application. The council received two letters objecting to the venture which were acknowledged during the committee.
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Both letters expressed concerns regarding potential disturbances of the peace, debris from smokers, parking issues, and questioned whether the location was appropriate given the proximity of two schools nearby. Namely, Appletree first school and Langley first school.
The applicant’s legal representation, Richard Arnot of Ward Hadaway, dismissed concerns of drunkenness, reminding councillors the primary function of the new venture would be as a restaurant and alcohol sales would only be “auxiliary”. Mr Arnot also reminded the committee the building had previously been occupied by a corner shop which already had an alcohol licence.
Concerns over parking and taxi queues were addressed by the acknowledgement of a car park round the back of the property. Further parking was said to be found in a nearby medical centre carpark which is open 24 hours a day.
Satisfied with the answers provided to them, the licensing committee granted the licence after private deliberations.
The council did require the new eatery to stop serving customers alcohol and food outside after 9pm and to remove the external tables and chairs. In addition, off sales of alcohol will be permitted only in conjunction with takeaway food.
Allard's will also be required to display clear and noticeable notices on exits reminding patrons to leave quietly and not disturb residents. The premises will also sign up to challenge 25.
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