Marlborough takeway's extra hours bid criticised (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Marlborough takeway's extra hours bid criticised

8:40am Thursday 20th November 2008 in Search

A town councillor in Marlborough has come up with an unusual argument against the late night opening of a burger bar... obesity.

On Monday the town council planning committee discussed a proposal by the Charcoal Grill kebab and burger takeaway at the back of Hughenden Yard to open until 3.30am on Fridays and Saturday nights.

At present the takeaway by the Azuza nightclub has a licence to operate noon to midnight seven days a week.

Councillors came up with several reasons for objecting.

Coun Marian Hannaford Dobson said she was surprised to see one of the reasons stated in the application for the longer hours was “making more money”.

This point was taken up by Coun Andy Ross who said that point was obvious and said he was happy to see the application granted.

Coun Rich Pitts took the same view and said the business should be allowed to open if there was trade to be had.

Former mayoress Edwina Fogg said: “At 3.30am they are hoping to attract people leaving the nightclub at 3am.”

Coun Nick Fogg said: “A modest extension might be reasonable but that is not on the table. We are being asked to extend this to 3.30am and this is a residential area.”

Coun Robin Notton said he was against the extended opening times and added: “If people can’t take on enough beefburgers by midnight we have an obesity problem.”

Councillors voted 6-2 to object fearing the extended hours could encourage anti-social behaviour.