A Harwich fish and chip shop has been granted permission to sell late-night refreshments until 11.30pm on weekends, following a licensing hearing.
Pieseas Chippy, in West Street, recently underwent refurbishment before owner Ismail Duyar applied to Tendring District Council for a premises licence.
The original application proposed new opening hours of 11am-11pm Monday to Thursday, and 11am-2am Friday to Sunday — including the sale of hot food and non-alcoholic drinks during late-night hours.
At a meeting of the council’s Premises/Personal Licensing Sub-Committee on Wednesday, 1 October, councillors considered the application alongside objections submitted by members of the public.
Concerns focused on the shop’s location in a residential area, with fears that extended hours could lead to increased noise, litter, and anti-social behaviour — particularly after nearby pubs close.
In response, Mr Duyar amended the application, proposing that the takeaway would operate 11am-11pm Sunday to Thursday — these hours do not require a licence under the Licensing Act 2003 – as well as 11am-1am on Friday and Saturday — with the supply of hot and cold food and non-alcoholic drinks requiring a late-night licence after 11pm.
All objectors were notified of the revised hours, but confirmed they still wished to maintain their objections.
Mr Duyar told the Sub-Committee that CCTV has already been installed, alongside signage asking patrons to be quiet, while he said windows and doors would be closed at night and a worker would remain on the door to ensure people are quiet.
The Sub-Committee considered all representations before granting a licence for late-night refreshments until 11.30pm on Friday and Saturdays.
Andrea Cossens, chairman of the sub-committee, said: “The Sub-Committee has given careful consideration to this application.
“In reaching its decision, we have taken into account the views expressed by the applicant and considered the 13 representations received from objectors. The Council has considered statutory guidance and the Licensing Authority's Policy.
“It has also considered the licensing objectives namely, the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.”
She added: “The committee is granting the license for Friday and Saturday until 11.30pm on the condition that the doors will be shut upon entry of customers after 11pm.”
Interested parties with a legal right to challenge the decision can appeal to the Magistrates’ Court within 28 days of the decision.
