Granting a premises licence at a former bingo hall could be the “ignition” that causes a north Liverpool community to “erupt”, it has been claimed.
Concern has been raised about the viability of a premises licence application for the former Carlton Bingo and Social Club on Moss Lane in Orrell Park. Last year, part of the previously vacant building was transformed into a hand car wash after permission was granted by Liverpool Council’s planning department.
Now, the local authority’s licensing panel will decide if plans for a premises licence - which would grant applicant Joanne Harwood to sell alcohol until midnight - are suitable.
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According to the plans lodged with officials, the business would seek to open from 8am to midnight daily, with alcohol available for sale throughout those times. The premises is also seeking to stage events such as films, dance, indoor sport and live music.
Under the plans for the hand car wash signed off last year, the business may only operate from 9am to 6pm. The former social club closed in 2017 and went up for sale in 2019.
Plans for it to be repurposed were first mooted a year later. The new application has caused consternation in the community, with more than 300 people signing a petition opposing the plans.
A further 15 have formally written to Liverpool Council to express their displeasure. Among those contacting the licensing department include Cllr Alan Gibbons.
He said: “The local community recognises the need for thriving small businesses, but there are worries about the concentration of licensed premises. There are concerns about possible noise from within the building when there are music events.”
Cllr Gibbons, who attended a series of public meetings regarding the plans, added: “There are also concerns about noise as customers for late night events disperse with the possibility of public nuisance. With a midnight end, there could be noise up to 1am.
“Some residents are concerned that the initial midnight licence could be extended until later. There are concerns about outdoor seating and outdoor smoking areas, causing noise.”
One objector said granting such a lengthy licence would have a significant impact on the community. They wrote: “There is only so much this community will take.
“Don’t let this be the ignition it needs to erupt.” Another person writing in opposition to the plans urged the committee to reject it, claiming it would lead to “unbearable noise.”
The plans have received some support however. One person writing to the council to back the proposals said: “I feel that the premises would look better than being left empty.
“The surrounding area would benefit due to an increased foot fall therefore helping the surrounding economy. It would be beneficial for the property to be used for events as set out in the application plus other similar events/uses.
“ It will benefit residents in the community and further enhance the area.” Another wrote: “This property will benefit from investment and the area will benefit from increased footfall and spending.
“I have seen the way in which the applicants run their current business and am confident this new venture will be a success and have a positive impact on the community it serves.” The plans will be considered by Liverpool Council’s licensing and gambling committee on July 13.
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