Villagers complaints halt license extension application

The owners of a bar in Wimbledon Village have abandoned plans to extend their opening hours, following a flood of complaints from more than 200 angry neighbours.

Young’s Brewery, the owners of Finch’s Wine Bar at 25 High Street Wimbledon Village, had applied for an extension of hours to their public entertainment licence. The application would extend opening hours by an hour from 11pm to midnight Monday – Thursday and from Midnight to 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Young’s withdrew their application before it went before councillors on the licensing committee.

The council received more than 200 objections to the plans from residents and residents associations in the village. Most people cited increased noise disturbance particularly from people once they had left the premises but were still in the area.

Councillor Russell Makin, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: ” There was a major response from residents who were concerned that anti social behaviour would increase if this application went ahead. Residents were not happy with the possibility of vandalism, drunkenness and smashed glass in this residential area. It is good to see that Young’s Brewery is being responsible and listening to the concerns of it’s neighbours.”

ENDS