A coffee shop owner who faces objections to her application for a drinks licence told councillors that they wanted it for the evenings only.
Selina Simeonova Grigovova applied to Brighton and Hove City Council for a licence to sell alcohol from 10am to 10.30pm daily at Intenso Espresso Bar, at 236 Portland Road, Hove.
Three neighbours objected to the application but none attended a council licensing panel hearing today (Friday 25 September).
At the hearing before a panel of three councillors – Andrei Czolack, Sam Parrott and Ollie Sykes – licensing agent Derya Teke spoke for Mrs Greigovova and her husband Lawrence.
The panel heard that they wanted the longer hours to keep their options open for lunchtime as well as for dinner service.
Should Intenso Espresso receive a licence, the business would initially serve alcohol only after 5pm because they were conscious of the nearby West Hove Infant School and Hove Junior School.
Councillor Czolack, who also chairs the council’s Licensing Committee, suggested a 1pm start. Councillor Sykes suggested noon. Those times would allow for flexibility without such permitting quite such an early start for alcohol sales.
Draft licence conditions have been agreed with Sussex Police and council environmental protection officials in the event that a licence is granted.
If it is, drink would only be available for consumption on the premises to customers served by waiting staff while seated at tables and having a main meal.
Substantial hot and cold food would have to be available at all times when alcohol was on sale and menus would have to be clearly on display.
Ms Teke said: “We respectfully ask the panel to consider this application as a responsible food-led proposal supported by comprehensive conditions designed to promote the licensing objectives while respecting the neighbouring residents and the local community.”
The panel retired to make its decision which should be made public within five working days.
