Alpine club's 3am licence bid runs into opposition

Jun 25 2009 by John Siddle, Ormskirk Advertiser

A NIGHTCLUB’S bid to open until 3am has received 111 objections – and one letter of support.

As of Tuesday morning, 112 representations had been submitted to West Lancs Borough Council ahead of a hearing which will decide whether Alpine – formerly known as Arriba – in Moorgate can serve alcohol until 2.30am seven days a week.

As revealed in the Advertiser last week, locals worry the extended hours could lead to a rise in anti-social behaviour on the streets as revellers make their way from the venue.

Before our article, the council had received 63 representations.

Alcohol is currently served at the venue until midnight on Monday and Tuesday and 1am from Wednesday to Sunday.

Club bosses say there is a demand for the extended hours as people drink at home longer before venturing out.

Opponents of the application fear that if a licence is granted in July, the club will be given carte blanche to open until 3am, seven days a week.

Former Edge Hill employee, Shirley Hyble, said: “People are worried about the shop windows being smashed because it will be much later when everyone leaves the club and they will have drank much more.”

One angry shop owner, who didn’t want to be named, added: "I am definitely against plans to extend the license hours. I already come to open my shop in the morning only to find sick in my door way.

“This will undoubtedly get worse if the extension is granted. Why can't they just stay open until 1am and be happy with that?”

Licensee Craig Carloss has promised to enforce a toughened entry policy in a bid to end violence which plagued the bar before he took over.

He said: “We are applying for a 3am licence but that does not necessarily mean we will open that late. During the week we’ll only stay open late if there’s a function that merits it.”