CHIPPY’S BID TO OPEN 24/7
A CARDIFF fish and chip shop has applied to open 24 hours a day – in a move that would be the first of its kind in the UK.
Cardiff council is currently considering an application from Parc Lane Fish & Chips in the city centre to open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The National Federation of Fish Friers said there are “no other 24-hour fish and chip shops in operation” that they are aware of.
“We think it has a great chance of success,” president Andrew Crook said.
The fish and chip shop, opposite the Capitol Centre in Queen Street, has previously hit the headlines with its sale of deep-fried chocolate bars including Double Deckers, Creme Eggs and Oreos.
As well as the 24/7 bid, it has also applied to extend its licence by one hour to serve alcohol every day between 11am and midnight.
The council also received an application for the nearby Pulse nightclub – in Churchill Way – to extend its opening hours.
But objections to the plans have been raised, with warnings from police about crime in the area.
In a formal objection, South Wales Police Chief Inspector Joe Jones wrote that the premises were “situated in an area which has high incidents of crime and disorder and incidents associated with alcohol”.
His letter also highlighted that “the premises are situated in an area which has incidents of public nuisance”.
He wrote that police would object to the plans unless the applicant could demonstrate that there would be “no negative cumulative impact”.
An objection by a nearby resident said they could no longer walk home alone at night and that the application would “only make matters worse”.
They said: “As a resident of the area (Landmark Place) I can no longer avail of the facilities in the area (hotels etc) as I cannot walk home alone in the late evenings.”
A separate objection by a nearby resident said: “I do not wish to see an increase in drunkenness, crime and disorder, noise, litter and general disruption.”
In an objection to both applications a letter written on behalf of Jurys Inn said noise disturbance from both premises was “already” affecting guests.
It reads: “Our clients are extremely concerned that the additional hours sought for the sale of alcohol, the provision of late-night refreshment, and the provision of regulated entertainment will adversely affect hotel residents staying at Jurys Inn, as well as other persons in the area.”
It noted that the hotel had already received complaints from guests about noise “which in some cases has required refunds for customers”.
Barristers were at yesterday’s licensing hearing to represent the council’s licensing department, South Wales Police, the neighbouring Jurys Hotel and the applicant.
A council spokesman last night said: “This matter has been adjourned and a written decision will be given in the near future.”