'Huge relief' at Leamington bar's license refusal

[dutchman]

Residents have expressed “huge relief” after a bar in Leamington town centre was refused a license to continue trading.



As we reported last week, bosses of G's Bar in Augusta Place were pushing to be allowed to trade as a bar and off-licence, having been run on a temporary basis since April last year after its previous owner was declared bankrupt.

But the licensing panel of Warwick District Council decided on Tuesday morning (January 31) to dismiss the application, believing it not to be in keeping with the area or its policies. Bosses of G's Bar have up to 21 days in which to appeal against the decision.

Residents, including Reverend John Cross from the nearby St Peter's Church, had expressed anger and concern over the plan due to the bar's location by a primary school and close to many homes.

Another resident Carolyn Gifford, along with husband and district councillor Bill Gifford, even hired a barrister to represent them at the meeting.

The couple have logged every incident of nuisance around the bar – under its many previous managements – since as far back as 2004.

Mrs Gifford told the Observer this week: “It is a huge relief to get this decision and we are glad the council's licensing policies were upheld.

“We've been disturbed by noise and anti-social behaviour from this bar nearly every weekend for many years. Moving out crossed our minds but we never wanted to be driven from our home by it.”