A Bridgend town centre kebab shop was refused extended trading hours at the first local appeal under the new licensing laws.
Date: Thursday 23rd March 2006
Bridgend County Borough Council has won the first appeal case regarding an extension to opening hours to a town centre kebab house, at the Bridgend Magistrates Court, on Monday 13th March 2006. The appeal case was the first of its kind since the new licensing act became law on November 24th 2005.
On the 18th November 2005, having heard representations from South Wales Police and Safer Bridgend Partnership about crime and disorder in the area, the Licensing Committee refused an application by Mr Faris Mansoor of the Reemas Kebab House for extended opening hours. On 13th March 2006, having considered further evidence from the South Wales Police and Safer Bridgend Partnership, the Magistrates' Court upheld the decision that the premises should close at 0230 Thursdays to Saturdays in keeping with the current planning consent.
Licensing Officer PC Kevin Ellis stated "The new act has given us the power to close premises that infringe on their opening hours as noted in the premises licence. Prior to the new act becoming law in November 2005, there were premises not complying with restrictions".
South Wales Police Bridgend Divisional Commander Superintendent Joe Ruddy noted "The Justices' decision is a good result for the community. From our experience incidents of public disorder in town centres late at night is directly related to rowdy and drunk people hanging around takeaway cafes, with no urge to find their way home. Since the new licensing laws have come in and restrictions placed on these premises, there has been a remarkable reduction in incidents of violence and disorder in the vicinity of such cafes".
Superintendent Ruddy continues "In fact since the restrictions were imposed and robustly enforced there have been no reported incidents at the Reemas Kebab House, which had previously been a real hotspot for us. I fully understand that the takeaway owners are trying to make a living, but the police and council has a responsibility to ensure the safety of the public. South Wales Police will continue to collectively work with our partners to explore every avenue in tackling this problem".