|
|
 |
| |
Tabby cat allowed to stay out late despite objections
PLANS to convert a popular family restaurant in Hampstead into a lounge bar were given the go-ahead by Town Hall licensing chiefs last night (Wednesday) – despite a flood of objections from residents.
More than 50 neighbours of the Tabby Cat Lounge in Heath Street – formerly Maxwell’s restaurant – wrote to licensing chiefs urging them to reject an application by new owners to ease restrictions on serving alcohol without food.
Many turned up at the meeting last night to present their objections to the licensing committee in person.
Speaking on behalf of residents in neighbouring Mansfield Place, Don Hill said: “We have suffered intolerable noise over the years. If this goes through it will be a permanent non-stop party in residents’ back yard.”
Mel Hampson from New Court told the committee that noise from the former Maxwells had frequently kept residents up all night while Richard Horwood from the Mount said that noise from drinkers leaving the bar would be intolerable.
But after hearing that new owners Chris Martin and Sharon Loftus had agreed to restrict opening hours to 11pm from Sunday to Thursday and midnight on Friday and Saturday and impose strict noise restrictions, licensing chairman Lib Dem Councillor Philip Thompson agreed to give the go-ahead.
Mr Martin and Ms Loftus, who hope to open the bar next month, also agreed to restrict entrance to over-21s after 8pm and clear outside areas of drinkers by 10pm.
Cllr Thompson said: “They have demonstrated a willingness to meet with every demand. I am happy granting it with the conditions.”
|
 |
|
|
|
