Berwick nightclub wins extended hours despite police and resident objections

A nightclub in the centre of Berwick, Northumberland, has been allowed to open until 4am on Friday and Saturday nights despite warnings from the police that extended hours will lead to more trouble, and complaints from town-centre residents.

The application from Cashmere's owner Zafer Saygilier was for extended opening hours to 4am every night of the week, but a sub-committee of councillors opted to approve the extension for Fridays, Saturdays, and on Sundays on Bank Holiday weekends.

The club will be restricted to just 200 occupants after 2am, the current closing time, and signs will be erected to make customers aware that they can book taxis through the club's staff. 

In a written objection to the application, Chief Insp Simon Packham of Northumberland Area Command, said: "The police hold the opinion that if the application is granted the general public and neighouring residents are highly likely to suffer as a result." He added: "The application potentially places large numbers of people outside the establishment, where the limited numbers of taxi firms would struggle to cope with the demand between the hours of 4 and 5am. "It is the experience of the police that when large numbers of people, who are under the influence of alcohol, linger for too long in one area violent disputes often ensue." This was also backed up by Insp Baylis, who said: "Crime and disorder will, and that's the practicality of it, increase because of the fact that you allow more time for more alcohol to be consumed."

In returning the decision, chair of the licensing committee, Coun Waterhouse said: "The committee have agreed the extension. We feel we were not given enough evidence that crime and disorder and public nuisance would increase." Coun Waterhouse added that the committee hoped Mr Saygilier would maintain his good relationship with Northumbria Police.

Read the full story from the Berwick Advertiser here