Telford restaurant granted alcohol licence after pushback from residents
A Telford restaurant has been allowed to serve alcohol and have recorded music after residents tried to stop it.
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Quashfam5 Limited applied for a premises licence at Cravings Africa, situated in Fourth Avenue, Ketley, near junction five of the M54.
The restaurant serves a wide range of Afro-Caribbean food, with various deals on offer. However, it wanted to be allowed to serve alcohol daily between midday and 10pm, with recorded music also taking place between the same period. The firm says there is CCTV at the premises, while a challenge 25 policy will be in place.
It added that prominent signage will also be displayed at key exit points asking people to respect neighbouring properties and to leave the premises quietly.
However, dozens have signed a petition to stop it from happening.
They said that granting the licence “would be detrimental to the health and safety and wellbeing of those living nearby”, and there have been several issues regarding previous tenants causing noise and having parties late in the night.
Tracey Ricketts and Kevin Biles added that the current tenants have already had several events where the traffic was extreme, and one occasion “numerous cars turned up and even a coach full with people.”
“On several occasions, the customers of these premises have been witnessed drinking on the car park and throwing empty cans away,” they said.
“They can be heard on phones and outside in the early evening and on Sunday afternoons.”
However, speaking at a Licensing Sub-Committee hearing on Monday (December 16), Vincent Yawsachie, the designated premises supervisor, said he didn’t know where the “coach full of people” reference came from.
“I want to say to the community that since we have opened the restaurant, we haven’t had any visits from the police and not caused any problems in the area,” said Mr Yawsachie.
“I think it’s unfair for the community to say that we can be held responsible for the previous tenant’s behaviour. We understand our responsibilities.”
Mr Yawsachie added that the premises, which has been open since May, can cater for between 30 and 40 people.
“Since we’ve opened, customers have been asking if they can come in to eat and have a drink like a wine or cocktail,” said Mr Yawsachie.
“But because we haven’t got a licence, we haven’t been able to do that.”
The committee heard that alcohol would only provided with a meal, with the music “being background only”. There is also a designated smoking area, however Mr Yawsachie said he hasn’t seen anyone smoke.
The committee therefore granted the application.
“Members have found there is no evidence that the activities described are directly linked to the premises of the current management or that these will increase if the licence is granted,” reads the decision.
“The committee conclude that incidents caused by the previous tenant are irrelevant to this application and Environmental Health has not made a representation or provided any evidence related to these issues.
“There is no evidence to suggest that the sale of alcohol or recorded music will cause distress to elderly residents. Or any evidence that this application will have a detrimental effect to the local school as any licensable events are likely to take place in the evening when the school is closed.
“The Licensing Sub-Committee is therefore satisfied that misuse caused by previous tenants are irrelevant to this application.”
The committed added a condition that any customers who temporarily leave and re-enter the premises, such as to smoke, should not be permitted to take drinks or glass containers with them. The license holder should also keep the exterior of the premises clean and tidy at all times.
Anyone wishing to appeal the decision should do so within 21 days.
