City's bars bid for even later hours; Concern at levels of alcohol served

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), Feb 4, 2008

Byline: By PETER YOUNG Political editor

CITY bars are seeking longer opening hours, sparking new fears of binge drinking.

It is more than two years since the Government relaxed the licensing laws and many pubs on Tyneside now stay open later.

But some bars granted longer hours are now coming back for further extensions.

Two applications to serve alcohol until 3am will be considered by Newcastle licensing chiefs on Friday and at least two others seeking 4am licences are in the pipeline.

Coun Nick Forbes, who represents Westgate ward which covers much if the city centre, said: "There are a number of pubs seeking variations to their licences.

"There's a pattern and I'm concerned about the impact on the city centre. Longer hours will mean more anti-social behaviour and disturbance for residents."

Coun Forbes, who is leader of the Labour opposition group on the Liberal Democrat-run city council, said: "I'm also worried about the effect of binge drinking on people's health."

Coun Anita Lower, Lib Dem executive member for regulation, said: "I believe our licensing policy is working and I don't think this signals an opening of the floodgates.

"I can't comment on individual applications which are each dealt with on their merits. However, the city centre is one of the special policy areas where there is a presumption against new or extended licences unless the applicant can demonstrate that this would not add to the cumulative impact of licensed premises in the area."

On Friday, the city council licensing sub committee will consider applications from the Eclipse bar in Clayton Street West and the Dog in nearby Marlborough Crescent to serve alcohol and lay on entertainment until 3am. Both also want pavement cafes.

Officials say two other applications for longer hours are in the pipeline from bars in the locality, the Eagle and the Yard, both on Scotswood Road. Each wants a 4am licence Friday and Saturday and 2am the rest of the week.

Coun Forbes and Westgate ward colleague Joanne Kings-land are both objecting to the Eclipse application on behalf of residents. There are also five individual objections and eight letters of support from local residents.

In his objection, Coun Forbes says: "Residents are concerned that if granted, it will lead to an increase in noise and anti-social behaviour in the vicinity late at night."

Coun Kingsland says: "This is one of our most densely-populated areas and residents already complain about disturbance."

There are no objections to the Dog application.

Both bars are operated by Diane Charlton and in each case, the application sets out measures to prevent nuisance and disorder.

CAPTION(S):

LICENCE APPLICATIONS: Clockwise from top left, The Yard, Eclipse, The Dog and The Eagle; DRINKS ROW: Nick Forbes, left, and Anita Lower