Market Drayton restaurant bids to put on music longer

A restaurant in Market Drayton has applied for permission to play music indoors until 1am every day, despite concerns over noise levels.

Licensed Trade Legal Services Limited has applied to Shropshire Council licensing bosses on behalf of Oruna Cuisine, an Indian restaurant in Shropshire Street. The restaurant wants permission to change the conditions of its premises licence to play recorded music until 1am seven days a week.

Under the existing licence, music can only be played from 5.30pm to 11pm between Sunday and Thursday, or until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Bosses also want permission to supply alcohol for use on and off premises until 12.30am every day. Currently they can only do so until 11.30pm.

A report to members of Shropshire Council's licensing sub-committee, which is due to consider the application at a meeting in Wem tomorrow, said one resident had lodged an objection claiming they are currently unable to get to sleep until after midnight due to noise from the restaurant.

The report said the council's environmental health neighbourhood pollution team had reported historical problems with the premises, culminating in the service of a noise abatement notice and special premises licence conditions in 2006.

But it added: "However, the layout of the premises has been radically altered in recent times, including the relocation of the kitchen from the front to the rear, additional noise insulation, and the business has a new owner."

Bosses also want to extend the restaurant's opening hours until 1am.

The applicant has proposed a string of conditions in the hope the bid will be approved. These include ensuring the licence holder trains all staff involved in the sale of alcohol and operates a proof of age scheme.

Further recommended conditions include displaying legal notices in respect of under-age drinking.