PLANS for a late night takeaway in a 'hot spot' for alcohol-related crime and disorder have sparked objections from the police.
An application for the Wight Grill takeaway, in Newport High Street, serving food and soft drinks until 1am Sunday to Tuesday, and 2.30am Wednesday to Saturday, has been submitted to the Isle of Wight Council.
Police said in their objection that another late-night takeaway in the area — opposite Yates', the Hog's Head pub and House of Legends, and near two other takeaways — would add to the already high levels of public disorder.
A written objection, submitted to the council's licensing committee, states: "In combination these premises can attract large numbers of late night drinkers and the area is regarded by police as a hot spot for disorder. Incidents generally involve drunkenness, with drunk individuals being either refused permission to the public houses, or ejected from them, but continuing to loiter in the area
"On the closure of the public houses intoxicated customers tend to loiter where food is available rather than disperse."
The applicant, Abdullah Sahinkaya, has offered to install CCTV cameras and provide security staff, but police have called on the licensing committee, due to hear the application on Monday (6), to limit the opening hours until midnight.
Another takeaway in the area, Pasha Kebab Pizza — formerly Turquoise — had its opening hours pegged back to midnight following a licence review last year, and police say there have been no incidents at the premises since.
Concerns about litter have been raised by the council's environmental health team.
Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk