A new café and bar in Hove wants a late-night drinks licence, but local councillors and a neighbor are raising concerns about potential issues
Hove: A new café and bar called Longrain is trying to get a late-night drinks licence. They want to serve alcohol until 1am, but not everyone is on board with this plan.
Some neighbors and two local councillors have voiced their objections to the Brighton and Hove City Council. They’re worried about the potential for crime and public nuisance in the area.
Longrain, which used to be Orsino, plans to open at 9am and close at 1:30am on weekends. They want to sell alcohol from 10am to 10:30pm on Sundays and until midnight on weekdays.
The council will discuss the application at a hearing next Tuesday. The councillors who objected suggested that alcohol should only be served with substantial meals and during more reasonable hours.
They also raised concerns about off-sales, suggesting that these should be limited unless there’s a good reason. Longrain has said that off-sales would only be for customers sitting outside.
This area of Hove already has a lot of licensed venues, and there have been issues with drink-related crime. The owner, Robert Webb, has a history in the local hospitality scene.
Longrain has offered to limit drink sales to seated customers and will consider hiring security staff during busy times like bank holidays and events. They also plan to avoid glass recycling during late hours.
Local councillors are worried about the potential for increased anti-social behavior and noise if the licence is granted. An anonymous neighbor expressed concerns about safety and past incidents related to late-night drinking.
The licensing panel hearing is set to start at 10am next Tuesday, and it will be available to watch online.
