Hundreds sign petition supporting Newport microbrewery

Owners at Plan B Brewing said they wished to put fears to rest and promised their new business wouldn't lead to drunken behaviour or underage drinking.

And while a few people have aired concerns, owner Mark Charman said that the vast majority of people have been in support of the venue based at Audley Avenue Enterprise Park in Newport.

He said: "While the application shows as asking for the sale of alcohol, live and recorded music from Monday to Saturday between 9am and 11pm and Sunday between 11am and 9pm, it is not our intention to open these hours or have music playing everyday.

"We require the hours on the licence to cover customers coming to purchase and collect cases of beer from the brewery, to cover our internet sales and our brewery tours. It is our intention for the bar to be open on a Thursday between 5.30pm and 7.30pm and Friday between 1pm and 8pm.

"There may potentially be recorded music playing the bar area, but no regular music of any kind is planned and live music is highly unlikely.

"In response to the application there have only been two two representations made opposing our application.

"In contrast, on Saturday we had over 200 local people sign our petition in support of our application at the Newport Show and I’m sure many more local residents will be adding their details and signature this week. In addition many local business have offered letter of support."

Mr Charman said that his staff will be well trained to recognise drunk and disorderly behaviour.

"The two objections raise concerns regarding drinking in the area, drunken behaviour and proximity to a school and cemetery," he said.

"We operate the Challenge 25 policy so ID will be required for those lucky enough to look younger than this. Our team are experienced and well trained and drunken disorderly behaviour will not be tolerated.

"I think the concerns surrounding underage drinking are unfounded as the style of our beer generally attracts a mature customer.

"It is a shame that the two objectors didn’t approach us before submitting their representations as we would have been more than happy to hear their views and deal with any concerns."

The brewery would create new jobs and a new reason for people to visit the town, Mark said.

"We believe it is good for Newport to have its own micro-brewery, our business provides local employment opportunities and will also bring customers into Newport area," he said.

"Therefore, I hope we are able to successfully obtain a premises licence as if unsuccessful we would have little choice but to leave Newport."