Other neighbours said the area needs more choice
The site proposed for Dosti Restaurant and Bar Ltd, along with the existing Dosti shop. (Image: Google Streetview)
Residents are fighting a new licence bid from a bar opposite a Leicester playground amid fears of “intimidating” drunken gatherings.
Leicester City Council’s Licensing Hearings Sub-Committee met on Wednesday (August 26) to determine the future of a property at 2b Uppingham Road in North Evington.
The applicant, Ajay Valgi, owns the off licence next door, and wants to kickstart Dosti Restaurant and Bar Ltd with the sale of alcohol, late night refreshment and recorded music.
The original bid sought opening hours until as late as 2.30am, but following a deal with the city council’s noise team, the premises agreed to open until 11pm from Sunday to Thursday and until 12am on Fridays and Saturdays.
However, neighbours to the site have lobbied councillors to reject the application, fearing it would exacerbate existing issues on the street and around the nearby Sparrow Park.
One resident said: “This area has seen a huge surge in off-licences. This is having a detrimental effect on the community. We have constant issues with late night noise and littering .
“The area is already in an appalling and deprived state. Granting a license for a bar to promote further drinking and be open so late will further degrade the area.
“Groups of men are gathered around street corners drinking all day. This is causing intimidation and fear among residents. We do not need any more alcohol-related outlets. We need something conducive to improving the neighbourhood.”
Another said: “Residents have observed alcohol cans, bottles and broken glass being discarded in the vicinity of a children’s play area opposite the premises.
“Parents and families have reported feeling increasingly uncomfortable with the level of alcohol-related activity occurring in the area and are concerned about children being exposed to intoxicated behaviour, anti-social conduct, and alcohol-related litter when travelling to and from local amenities.”
Concerns were also raised that alcohol was being consumed upstairs at the Dosti Pan Centre & Off License, amounting to a breach of licensing conditions from the applicant.
However, many residents also showed support for the development.
Anil Bhawsar, the licensing agent, reported that between 140-150 neighbours had signed a petition arguing that more hospitality options are needed in the area and that they do not foresee any negative impacts.
He said the business director has a “good track record” and aims to run the venue “responsibly”.
The panel saw photos submitted as evidence that there was no litter or gathering issues.
Mr Bhawsar added that “severe” conditions, including limits to when the bottle bins can be emptied and when the windows can be open, had been agreed on to mitigate the business’ impact on the neighbourhood.
The panel retired to decide whether to grant the license, impose further restrictions, or reject the bid.
A decision is expected within five days.
