King's Lynn shisha bar's application for drinks licence

Garden Paradise has applied for a licence to sell alcohol and host live music and dancing at the Paradise Shisha Bar on Clough Lane in King's Lynn from 11am until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11-am - midnight for the other five days of the week.

But neighbours say the area is already plagued by anti-social behaviour, including vandalised cars, smashed windows and violence.

The Shisha Bar is sited at the rear of a premises on Tower Street, in King's Lynn's conservation area (Image: Chris Bishop)

West Norfolk council's licensing committee is due to discuss the application on Thursday, June 13.

The shisha bar, where customers smoke flavoured tobacco through communal pipes, has been open for just over a year.

A report to councillors says 10 objections have been received. Names of those submitting them have been redacted by officials.

WHAT OBJECTORS SAY

People living on and around Tower Street say the area is plagued by anti-social behaviour (Image: Chris Bishop)

One says: "We have had drink-related problems - cars vandalised, they banged on our doors at 2-3am in the morning, windows smashed and acts of physical violence on my neighbour from drunks coming from Norfolk Street nightlife.

"If you extend a licence to 2am we will have no peace."

Another objector adds: "At present, most late night drinking establishments are located on Norfolk Street.

"Allowing late-night drinking on Tower Street will stretch police resources even further.

"The late night drinking and loud music will further mar the image of our town and will likely discourage visitors."

The shack at the premises on Clough Lane in King's Lynn (Image: Chris Bishop)

An owner of a listed building complains about the appearance of " a temporary shack" erected in front of the building.

They say: "It has become an ugly, sprawling monstrosity, reminiscent of a shanty town.

"A late licence will exacerbate problems already evident and encourage more such structures."

Another adds: "There have already been problems with loud music, public nuisance until the early hours both in Clough Lane, where the business is being run from, Tower Street and surrounding areas.

"This application is in the conservation area of the town and if granted would not bode well for this part of the town in respect of public nuisance, prevention of crime and disorder and they very real possibility of anti-social behaviour."

A list of alleged incidents submitted to the committee has been redacted.

WHAT DOES PARADISE GARDEN SAY?

The business is situated behind a premises on Tower Street (Image: Chris Bishop)

The business says the premises is designed as a shisha bar that also intends to offer food and alcoholic beverages.

"Regular staff training sessions are conducted to keep all team members updated on the best practices for incident management and crime prevention," it adds.

"All staff to gently remind customers to leave quietly and respect the neighbourhood, especially during the evening and night, to prevent public nuisance.

"We will display signage at exits encouraging customers to be considerate of local residents by keeping noise to a minimum."

Signs in the window of the Tower Street premises tell customers to use the back door (Image: Chris Bishop)

It adds noise levels are "actively managed" and signs are inside and outside the premises urge patrons to keep noise to a minimum.

"The Paradise Shisha Bar occasionally hosts live music events featuring DJs or bands, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere of our venue," it says.

"These performances are held indoors with sound levels carefully monitored to ensure they do not exceed normal volume, thereby maintaining a comfortable environment for all patrons and adhering to public safety standards."

The bar also offers occasional belly dancing performances. It says: "These events are designed to provide culturally enriching experiences, ensuring that all performances are suitable for audiences of all ages and contribute positively to the venue's atmosphere."