Noise concerns see council skewer new kebab shop plans

A kebab shop boss has been refused a licence to open a new takeaway premises until 3am, six nights a week.

Numan Sherifali, who owns Munchies in St Peters Street and Cafe Solo in Wincheap, was told the operation would cause problems for neighbours by creating noise and potentially attracting drunken troublemakers.

He had planned to open the new shop at the former Lotus House takeaway at 192 Wincheap until 3am Monday to Saturday, and 2am on Sundays, claiming it would cater for the community.

But despite insisting he would take steps to prevent public nuisance, members of the licensing sub-committee turned down his application at a meeting on Tuesday.

It followed a representation by police licensing officer PC Sue Ginever, who said it would be a magnet for people who have been out drinking.

“It would be an obvious place for people who live in Wincheap and go to Club Chemistry to go on their way home,” she said.

“It will attract people who have been drinking alcohol which is linked to problems such as fighting. People converging there, even if they haven’t been drinking alcohol, is noisy – because of the setting the noise is amplified.”

She admitted police were unlikely to attend noise complaints on busy weekend nights.

Mr Sherifali made assurances his staff would be well trained to deal with any incidents but PC Ginever questioned whether they should have to perform functions more suited to a door supervisor.

She also revealed a list of police call-outs involving public nuisance in the area and suggested a kebab shop opening so late would only add to the problem.

The city council’s legal adviser, Peter Kee, confirmed the committee’s decision to refuse the application, saying: “This is a residential area and it would be a magnet for those likely to be under the influence of alcohol.

“The committee has no issue with the applicant’s management ability and has taken into account his right to earn a living but they have also considered the rights of people to sleep without being disturbed.”

Cllr Nick Eden-green, who spoke at the meeting, says he is pleased with the decision.

“I think it was fair and that the community has received the best outcome,” he added.

Lawyer David Hall, representing Mr Sherifali, declined to comment on behalf of his client.

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Picture: Chris Davey FM4653895 Former Lotus House Chinese takeaway in Wincheap had been earmarked to become a kebab house