Coffee shop extends its hours amid noise concern
RESIDENTS ARE WORRIED ABOUT IMPACT ON THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE
A POPULAR coffee shop has extended its opening hours despite concerns over drunken behaviour and noisy gatherings.
East Riding councillors heard from Railway Street resident Ian Carmichael, who claimed he and others were worried about the rising number of venues serving alcohol in that area of Beverley.
Councillors on the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-committee were discussing an application from Quills Coffee and Kitchen, in Railway Street, to serve alcohol.
Owner Adam Feather agreed to a number of extra conditions in a bid to stop any nuisance behaviour, telling councillors he shared many of Mr Carmichael’s concerns.
Councillors approved his application to sell alcohol to consume on and off the premises, with longer opening hours of 8am to 10pm Monday to Sunday and live music also granted.
Mr Feather told the committee disturbing residents was the “last thing” he wanted to do, adding his business would not fuel drunken behaviour.
But Mr Carmichael said he had “severe reservations” over allowing more venues to sell alcohol.
Mr Carmichael said: “I have great admiration for someone trying to develop their business in these challenging times. But I have severe reservations. Noise travels down Railway Street quite considerably and it can also be heard in Trinity Lane.
“Railway Street also suffers a lot from petty vandalism, people use it after consuming alcohol in vast quantities.
“There’s sick in doorways and takeaway packaging left in the street after people have been out drinking.
“It’s important to maintain the balance between residential and commercial interests. There is a balance at the moment, but I could see it tipping over.
“Our gardens have been places of peace and tranquillity, not only in these times of coronavirus, but at any time.
“It would be detrimental to our quality of life if we had to listen to loud music in our free time.
Mr Feather told the committee: “I don’t think a coffee shop selling alcohol sensibly would put the peace and happiness of residents at risk.
“We don’t want to be having lots of noisy gatherings or people leaving litter and all those other possible problems.
“There will be bins and CCTV and other measures to keep things safe.
“It’s a strange and unpredictable time, so I think this idea we’d be swamped with demand is a little inaccurate. The idea is to offer something that will add to the neighbourhood.”
Councillors added conditions to the licence, requiring Mr Feather make CCTV footage available on authorities’ requests and to put up Challenge 21 signs and others telling customers to respect residents.
Glassware will not be allowed outside unless sold in sealed bottles for drinking out of the venue and Mr Feather also agreed to fit a bin for cigarette ends.