Ashby's 'adult themed' venue XXX Buns has been given permission to extend its opening hours until midnight for the sale of alcohol.

The restaurant's owner Mr Anthony Haslam wanted to open until midnight, Monday to Sunday.

But Ashby de la Zouch Town Council raised a number of issues with the request - on the grounds of excessive noise and the fact that it was next to a gym used by children.

The Town Council wanted alcohol to be served during the daytime only,

However, at a meeting of North West Leicestershire District Council's licensing sub-committee yesterday (Tuesday), it was decided that the extension could be granted.

Mr Haslam had already defended his stance in written documents ahead of the meeting.

The committee considered Ashby Council's concerns that the venue had both indoor and outdoor seating, meaning a significant increase in noise in the area from customers dining in and out as well as the fact that children using the gym could be affected.

But, after a lengthy deliberation, the committee said that the applicant confirmed during the hearing that the premises would predominantly be a food establishment, and he was applying for a licence to sell alcohol so that he could offer bottomless brunches, and that customers could have a drink with their meal. 

The sub-committee was satisfied that the premises was not to operate as a pub or a nightclub, but mainly as a food establishment. The subcommittee was of the view that persons using the premises were unlikely to engage in anti-social behaviour.

It was pointed out that there had been no objection from the police and the committee was satisfied with the extensive conditions applied. 

The committee also noted that the venue had been operating as a food establishment with no alcohol for eight to nine weeks, and in that time, there had not been any issues . The committee said it had been assured the applicant had been working with the gym owner, and was therefore of the view that the conditions suggested by the applicant would be sufficient to ensure the protection of children from harm.

It was added that accredited and certified door supervisors will be used for the purpose of ensuring safe conduct between the hours of 7:30pm and midnight on Thursdays Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.