Popular Staffordshire taphouse set to defend plans to open later

A popular Staffordshire taphouse is set to defend its plans to open later at a licensing hearing next week.

Plans put forward by Vintage Liquid Taphouse on Bridge Cross Road in Burntwood have been objected to on public safety grounds.

The venue submitted plans to Lichfield District Council to extend its opening hours by 30 minutes each day. Under the proposals, alcohol sales would stop at 11pm, with the venue closing at 11.30pm.

The plans, however, have been objected to by a local resident on the grounds that extending the current trading hours would undermine the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder, promoting public safety and preventing public nuisance. Resident Kristina Hrabar said that customers already gather outside the venue.

In her objection, she states: “My concern is that permitting the use of an outdoor drinking area, together with extending the terminal hour by a further 30 minutes, is likely to increase the amount of noise, disturbance and anti-social behaviour experienced by patrons of the pub. Customers already gather outside the premises late into the evening to smoke, drink and socialise, often directly beneath residents’ windows.

Extending the hours and providing a designated outdoor space would, in my view, encourage customers to remain outside for longer, increasing noise and prolonging the disruption experienced by those living in the building. I am also concerned that the proposed variation could undermine the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety.”

She said there had already been instances of aggressive individuals linked to the taphouse, which had been reported to the police, and fears that the venue opening later would increase the frequency of such incidents and put residents at further risk.

She adds: “The building is home to people who work shifts, attend university, have disabilities or neurodivergent conditions, and includes a child. Extending the hours of operation and outdoor use would, in my opinion, have a significant impact on residents’ ability to peacefully enjoy their homes.”

A hearing is set to take place on Wednesday 29 July and it will be up to the licensing appeals committee at the district council whether to grant the extension to the venue’s opening hours.