New owners of what was the Frog and Bucket comedy club face objections from Preston Police for late-night opening proposals.
AdvertisementNow owned by Party Like a Rock Star Limited they want the option to open until 5.30am every day in the new Lord’s Walk home for Blitz.
Blitz was demolished as part of the Friargate redevelopment.
Lancashire Police have objected to the plans to serve alcohol until this time and say clubbers could be leaving the venue at 6am throughout the week.
Sergeant Bushell writes: “It is the view of the Constabulary that the dispersal of up to 400 intoxicated patrons in the early hours of the morning in a relatively isolated location on the edge of the city centre would lead to an increase in violent crime and anti-social behaviour.”
Currently the venue is allowed to serve alcohol and hold events until 2.30am each day.
Two further objections have been received from local residents.
Sally Haining says “We feel that by allowing the venue to open all night, we would have to contend with the noise from both the music inside the venue and the smoking area, have the additional worry of the crime and disorder throughout the night, then potentially have our vehicles and properties put at risk by people staffering towards bus stops and trying to find taxis, or walking home. Plus we may have to encounter these people on our daily commute in the morning.”
Another local resident Anthony Kenyon said: “By letting it open later you will simply extend the amount of time this trouble will go on.
“Surely there are enough venues in town now that are open late without having to open a venue until this time?”
The city council’s licensing sub-committee will meet at 10am on Wednesday to consider the application.
What do you think about the later opening plans? Do you live in the area? Would you be visiting Blitz? Let us know in the comments below