Restaurant’s licence granted by council
Trattoria Italiana in Bexhill
ROTHER’S general licensing panel has granted a seven days a week drinks licence to Bexhill ‘s Trattoria Italiana, though with conditions.
Among many who backed the popular Devonshire Road restaurant’s application was the comedian and TV personality, Eddie Izzard. Though busy in France, Eddie took time out to email proprietors Piergiorgio and Ines Esposto with a message of support after some people objected to the bid.
Both sides had their say when the licensing panel, chaired by Cllr Ian Jenkins, met on Wednesday to consider the application.
Seven people living in flats at Dalmore Court, opposite the restaurant and its newly-opened extension, had raised concerns about late night noise.
They feared that a bid to sell alcohol until midnight, including off sales, would simply add to the torment they claimed to have suffered .
Spokesman Nigel Cornford, representing the group, said: “Staff leaving in the early hours and party revellers shouting in the street can be alarming and extremely noisy. It’s not every night, but quite frequent.”
Complaints included loud music being heard through open doors, raised voices, outdoor tables being dragged inside at the close of business and even conga dancing along the street.
Mr and Mrs Esposto said they had been shocked by the extent of concerns, as they had a respectable clientele of all ages and in 10 years of trading, only one noise complaint had ever been registered with the council .
Mr Esposto said he had been “deeply hurt” by claims he was only interested in profit and “empire building.”
He and his wife had immediately modified their bid for a midnight licence and ruled out any off sales of alcohol.
The panel agreed that drink could be sold Monday to Sunday from 10am to 11pm, and until 2am on New Year’s Eve.
But conditions included closing all doors and windows after 10pm, installation of CCTV, prominent reminders at all exits to leave quietly, and all outdoor furniture to be taken in by 10pm.
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Weather for Bexhill-on-Sea
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 14 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
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