A South Liverpool bistro has won the right to extend its opening hours despite claims it would be a “nightmare”.
Liverpool Council ’s licensing and gambling sub-committee approved amendments to the premises licence at Loft Bar Elif Bistro, Allerton Road, Woolton. Concerns had been raised about “late night noise” at the location as it sought to increase its opening hours and sale of alcohol on and off premises to 1am
It’s original licence allows the Woolton bistro to open until 12.30am and serve alcohol until the same time on Fridays and Saturdays. Under its proposals submitted in April, applicant Umut 1 Co Ltd will now extend its rear smoking area and rename it to “Garden Lounge”.
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As a result of the request to stay open for a further 30 minutes and extended alcohol trading, a condition is attached to increase the number of door staff to four on Fridays and Saturdays. The existing hours for live and recorded music - until 12.30am - will not change under the new terms.
A representation had been received by the council opposing the plans by a resident who said the current closing time is “more than adequate” and should not be allowed to extend further. The reply said: “I oppose this application.
“I live just up the road from Loft, there is usually a lot of late night noise when the premises closes, to allow an even later closing time would be a nightmare. The area where Loft is based is predominantly a residential area, I think the closing time which is allowed at present is more than adequate.”
The plans were considered by a panel of councillors at Liverpool Town Hall when it met on Tuesday. The members assessed whether the plans promote the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.
No objections were raised by Merseyside Police or the licensing authority in relation to the plans. According to its website, the bar’s aim “is to become a friendly asset to our Woolton community by providing the best local coffee, beers, cocktails & wine with a unique and individual story.”
