Councillors questioned if there was jealousy involved in an objection
Latimer Ward Conservative Club in Belgrave (Image: Google Streetview)
A Leicester bar owner says he has been left devastated by claims from a “rival business” as his late-night licence bid goes before city officials.
Leicester City Council’s Licensing Hearings Sub-committee met on Thursday (September 10) to decide on an application for extended opening hours in the Emvee Lounge, which is part of the Latimer Ward Conservative Club in Belgrave.
The applicant, Mansukhbhai Sangani, wants to close the venue at 1.30am and 2.30am on Fridays and Saturdays – a two-hour extension from its current hours.
The bid attracted some objections from neighbours, who sent the council a handwritten petition arguing the change would be “completely out of character” with the neighbourhood and would “severely disrupt” their sleep and quality of life.
The council’s legal advisor told the committee that another objection had been submitted. It alleged that “illegal activity” was taking place at the venue, claiming the bar was paying Bollywood performers, which contravenes its licence.
This objection reportedly attached a photograph of a woman performing on the site and a file containing an unrelated man’s immigration status.
The advisor told the committee: “We’re not sure how to make the link, so it’s up to you how much weight to give this so-called evidence.”
Mr Sangani denied breaching the licence in this way, with paperwork showing only two official employees and zero visits from police or immigration officers.
He compared the performances to an open-mic night and said those involved might get tips from the audience.
Mr Sangani’s representative told members: “The allegations brought to us, and the evidence provided, have been devastating to his reputation in the local business community.
“He believes the photo and written allegation have been created to tarnish his name with the authorities by a rival business.
“We believe this case is a frivolous and vexatious representation. The evidence is not factual.
“Bars and clubs everywhere allow members of the public to sing on stage voluntarily; no exchange of payment is expected, and definitely no payment is given by Mr Sangani.”
Councillor Diane Cank (One Leicester) questioned if there had been “a bit of jealousy” among neighbouring businesses and said the objection does not look like something “Joe Bloggs down the road” would have written.
The committee retired to decide whether to grant the new opening hours, impose conditions on the license or reject the change entirely.
Mr Sangani asked them for a “fair decision”.
An update is expected within five days.
