LOUGHTON: Later hours for kebab shop approved
8:00am Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Where I Live By Clare Hardy
Kamil Gulal of Loughton BBQ
FEARS have been raised that the granting of a later licence for a town centre takeaway will pave the way for more restaurants to do the same.
Loughton BBQ in the town’s High Road will now be able to close at 2.30am on Fridays and Saturdays and at 1.30am on Thursdays – half an hour later than its previous closing time – after the district council’s licensing committee voted in favour of the move at a licensing meeting yesterday (Tuesday).
Loughton BBQ owner Kamil Gulal, 27, said the later opening would stop problems with late night drinkers.
“We were confident we would get it,” he added. “We’ve removed all the chairs, which has helped a lot and employed a security guard, which has dramatically reduced the number of incidents.
“Half an hour gives people time to have their food and leave. We believe that helps.”
But residents fear the later opening will mean they will suffer the noise of people hanging round the town centre after leaving bars later into the night.
Mark Pidgeon, 62, who lives in High Beech Road, off the High Road, said: “It will mean the continuation and the worsening of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour.”
An application for the Kebabery, also in the High Road, to change its closing time from 1am until 2.30am on Fridays and Saturdays has been registered with the district council and people can comment on it until February 24.
“It sets a precedent for anybody else who was refused in the past to appeal,” said Mr Pidgeon.
“I think the council is abdicating its responsibilities and they won’t think around the corner.”
The latest crime and anti-social behaviour figures pinpoint nine incidents to the car park behind Marks and Spencer, near Loughton BBQ, in December and another 10 crime reports to the parking bays off High Beech Road in the same month.
Nearby Luxe bar, formerly the Crystal Lounge, had its opening hours reduced after a 150-person fight that started there spilled onto the High Road in November 2010.
Councillors were also due to decide whether The Metro Super Saver convenience store opposite West Hatch High School in Chigwell could have restrictions imposed on it for selling alcohol to under-18s lifted yesterday, but the hearing has been postponed until next month.
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