An 'adult-themed street food venue' in Ashby has challenged a bid by local councillors to stop it from serving alcohol at night.

XXX Buns in Bakery Court wants a licence for 'the provision of late night refreshment between the hours of 11pm-midnight, Monday to Sunday.'

At a recent Ashby de la Zouch Town Council licensing meeting, concerns were raised regarding crime and disorder, harm to children - as there is a gym nearby - noise and nuisance to nearby residents.

The application will now go to a meeting of North West Leicestershire District Council's licensing sub-committee next Tuesday (Nov 21) to see if it can be granted.

Ashby Town Council says it wants to limit the venue's alcohol licence to daytime only.

But the applicant and licensee, Mr Anthony Haslam, has defended his request in documents which will be considered by the committee at the meeting.

In his response to Ashby de la Zouch Town Council, he refers to the planned Loungers UK venue - to be called Centivo Bar - which has been granted a similar licence.

Mr Haslam says: "I hope this information finds you and any other persons concerned, helpful in regards to having a more thorough understanding of agreements with local business and residents, premise position, layout and its effects on the local neighbours - and the business's legitimacy in regards to providing a fun, safe place for all to enjoy themselves.

"I would like to start by addressing the obvious, and that is before anything, we are a food establishment regardless of our decor and theme. 

"I have applied for a premise licence for the sale of alcohol and late-night refreshments - it is not to attempt to solely become a bar or nightclub, but rather be able to offer an alcoholic beverage to customers when dining with us.

"'I would like to address the quote from my application where I was quoted to have supposedly mentioned: 'Where I deem necessary', in regards to door supervision. 

"This is incorrect and gives a false impression of how I, the licensee, intend to implement and uphold safe licensing objectives. 

"The true representation of what was mentioned on the licence application stated: "I will use or employ door supervisors at all times when a licensable activity is carried out and I consider them necessary to: 

• Prevent the admission and ensure the departure from the premises of drunk and disorderly persons, without causing further disorder
• Keep out excluded individuals (subject to court or pub watch bans)
• Search and exclude persons suspected of carrying illegal drugs or offensive weapons

"Furthermore suggesting an increase of crime and disorder in the area due to an exterior terrace in which only 15 persons can consume food and drink at one time, I find rather inadequate and rather choosy given our neighbour, Loungers UK Limited, has been granted approval for consumption of alcohol and late night refreshment, inside their premises and externally on the high street / rear garden every day, between the hours of 10:00 am-12:30 am. 

The applicant also points out that a similar licence has been granted to the Centivo Bar which will move into the former HSBC Bank building in Market Street

"I would also like to add that we care about and work closely with our neighbours Abbey Taxis, La Spezia Pizzeria, Motiv8 Gym, The Market Stall Holders and Meraki to ensure no hindrance to any party in regards to operating our businesses - and all agree on decisions in regards to safe use of the courtyard."

Mr Haslam also addresses the Town Council's concerns regarding potential noise and nuisance.

The licensee adds: "The business has currently been operating for around six weeks, and has yet to receive any formal complaint with regards to noise levels or disturbances to nearby residences or others. 

"During this period, we have had customers both inside and on the exterior terrace with amplified music played from the hours of 17:00pm - 22:30pm - current business operating Schedule - no complaints. 

"We are also surrounded by multiple nightclubs and pubs that ONLY offer alcohol and live / pre-recorded music at levels which can be heard by the majority of residents in the town. 

"I find it somewhat hard to believe that it has been suggested that our small food establishment will cause disturbance to the local residents, in comparison to the already heard, and soon to be heard, licensed businesses existing in the town centre. 

"I have also gone out and personally spoken to residents along South Street in regards to your concerns and not one resident can confirm any disturbance from our premise in comparison to those already operating."