New Bay bar proposal criticised by councillor

A COUNCILLOR has raised fears that a proposed new bar would “exacerbate” anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Whitley Bay.

This comes after plans for new premises, called Home Bar, on Victoria Terrace were lodged with North Tyneside Council.

Toby William Blackburn and Katarzyna Grzekak have applied for permission to sell alcohol every Wednesday to Friday from 4pm to 11pm, Saturdays from 2pm to 11pm and 2pm to 9pm on Sundays.

Ward councillor John O’shea said he will fight the proposals on behalf of residents nearby, adding: “I’ve had several calls about this. I will be objecting to the application.

“There are two issues: It is in a cumulative impact area and I haven’t seen anything in the application that gives good reason to change the policy.”

A ‘cumulative impact area’ is a designated zone where evidence has indicated the number, type or density of licensed premises is adversely impacting issues such as crime and disorder, public safety, public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.

Coun O’shea continued: “That particular location, in the past, there has been some ASB going on, and this would exacerbate problems that have occurred.”

An application form stated that the bar would close earlier on Sunday to avoid ASB which it says is at its highest point at the end of the week. North Tyneside Council’s licensing department has yet to decide the future of the proposals.