A 24 hour licence has been granted for Preston’s major venue, the Guild Hall, for its bowling alley.
AdvertisementPreston Guild Hall‘s bid to extend their opening hours and serve alcohol in all areas until 6am was declined by Preston City Council‘s licensing sub committee, after police raised concerns with the knock-on effect it would have on crime and disorder in the city centre and on people working at that time.
Licensing sergeant Tony Bushell said:Â âThe plans are a massive investment in Preston and will put it on the map.
âHowever, we believe the vision encapsulating a 6am licence and 24-hour opening may put Preston on the map for the wrong reasons and may undermine what they are trying to achieve.â
Related: Police object to Guild Hall late night alcohol bid
The licensing hearing took place on Friday 21 October and considered representations put forward by both Lancashire Constabulary and bosses at Guild Hall.
The committee deliberated and the decision was adjourned till Monday 24 October, delivering the outcome that the Guild Hall could now sell alcohol until 4am and open for 24 hours at LeVel, the proposed bowling alley and live entertainment venue.
Richard Simkin, head of operations at the Guild Hall, said: “We had a battle on our hands.
“We got 4am and 24hours for LeVel, so not what we wanted on the 6am but we now have the first 24 hour venue in the city.”
The venue is undergoing significant changes under the ownership of Simon Rigby and they believe the proposal is key to their vision.
What do you think about the Guild Hall opening for 24 hours? Do you agree? Let us know in the comments below