Blackpool chippy in battle with council over late night opening

Tariq Jan is seeking a late night refreshment licence for seven days a week for Khan’z Chippy on Lytham Road, near Manchester Square, which he says would bring it in line with other takeaways in the area.

But nearby hoteliers say customers are likely to be drunk at that time of night and would disrupt their guests trying to sleep.

Chris Gallagher, who had objected to the application, told a council licensing panel: “I am sure you can imagine the scenes at 3am with people congregating, drunk and shouting.

“If I had a family with young children, I certainly wouldn’t want to be listening to the goings on outside a kebab shop at 3am in the morning.”

Mr Gallagher said he did not object to the premises operating as a takeaway, but not until 3am.

He also raised concerns about customers leaving rubbish behind, and parking irresponsibly to pick up food.

In documents submitted to the council, he added when he bought his guesthouse in 2016, the premises had been a fish and chip shop and cafe with “family friendly opening hours.”

Mr Jan told the hearing he had operated outlets in Blackpool for 22 years, including a late-night kebab shop on Rigby Road with flats above it without any complaints.

He said: “We look after our neighbours and don’t put any music on. This is in the holiday area of Blackpool, and everybody is here for their enjoyment.”

He said CCTV cameras would be installed inside and outside the premises in line with police guidance, and added there was seating for up to 40 people inside.

This meant customers would not be disturbing other people in the neighbourhood while they ate their food, and he also said there would be bins inside and outside to prevent rubbish being strewn.

Mr Jan added: “In this street there are other kebab shops with a licence until 3am. People want to enjoy late night food.”

After listening to all the evidence the panel said it would make a decision which would be published within five days of the hearing.