A popular late-night takeaway, at the heart of the Isle of Wight’s nightlife, has had its plans to stay open even later partially thwarted.
Ephesus Pizza and Grill, on Newport High Street, was seeking permission to stay open until 4am on Friday and Saturday, to benefit from the extra business of hungry revellers who leave the nearby bars and clubs at closing time.
Objections from residents
However, with the concerns of residents and environmental health officers, the Isle of Wight council’s licensing sub-committee on Monday felt extending the opening hours from 1am to 2.30am was the only appropriate solution.
Speaking at the meeting, two objectors who live near the grill said they put up with a lot at weekends, hearing shouting, swearing and anti-social behaviour from people who leave the pubs and clubs.
“Had no idea about the nightlife issues”
They said they moved into their home during the Covid pandemic so had no idea about the nightlife issues at weekends and didn’t want to have more of a problem, with the takeaway opened later, and pleaded for consideration.
They said:
“We would just like to sleep at the weekends.”
No objection from police
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s licensing officer raised no issues with the 4am finish time, subject to conditions.
Environmental health officers said if the takeaway is opened until 4am people would stay longer in the area and loiter, and they had to balance the nighttime economy desires while protecting residents.
A compromise of 2.30am was offered as they “didn’t want to make the situation worse.”
Would lose business with 2.30am closure
The takeaway’s owner, Ramazan Kanial, had wanted to keep the licence at 4am, or was willing to take it down to 3.30am, because a 2.30am closure wouldn’t help him to offer food to those leaving the clubs after closing time.
Mr Kanial also highlighted other businesses in the area have licences until 4am, and said they must add to the litter and traffic in the area.
The takeaway had agreed to having security in place, a system for entry and exit and a safeguarding policy for the protection of children.
2.30am closure set
The committee, however, decided a 2.30am close was appropriate.
Mr Kanial can appeal the committee’s decision within 21 days, if he wishes, to the magistrates’ court.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
