Extending the opening hours at a South Liverpool bistro would be “a nightmare”, it has been claimed.
An application has been made to Liverpool Council ’s licensing and gambling sub-committee to amend the premises licence at Loft Bar Elif Bistro, Allerton Road, Woolton. Concerns have been raised about “late night noise” at the location as it seeks to increase its opening hours and sale of alcohol on and off premises to 1am.
Currently, the Woolton bistro is open until 12.30am and serves alcohol until the same time on Fridays and Saturdays. Under the proposals submitted last month, applicant Umut 1 Co Ltd is seeking to extend its rear smoking area and rename it to “Garden Lounge”.
READ MORE: Live updates as police cordon off entire park and road
As a result of the request to stay open for a further 30 minutes and extended alcohol trading, a condition would be added 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 application.
A representation has 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 will be considered by a trio of councillors at Liverpool Town Hall when it meets next week. The members will assess 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 have been 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.”
