By Andrew Topping, Local Democracy Reporter
Police and council officers have raised concerns about plans for a new bar in Mansfield town centre.
The new bar, named Sins and Spirits, would be based at 4 Toothill Lane, near its junction with Leeming Street, serving beers, wines, spirits and cocktails beyond midnight every day of the week.
A licensing application submitted to Mansfield District Council reveals the venue could be open between midday and 1.30am Monday to Thursday and between midday and 2am from Friday to Sunday.
This would be extended to 3am on bank holidays, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
However, concerns have been raised by both Nottinghamshire Police and the authority’s community safety department over the impact it could have on the town.
The applicant, Romany Attia, proposes a courtyard to the building accessed via a one-way system and exited via a gate onto Toothill Lane.
Under initial plans, this would have been used as a smoking area and would include a marquee outside for people to sit underneath whilst either live or recorded music was played.
However, Mansfield District Council questioned the potential “level of nuisance” loud music could have if played outdoors and the applicant now does not plan to play music in the courtyard.
Concerns have also been raised about the first floor, which initially only proposed one toilet and could be used for both dancing and the sale of alcohol.
Police believe this floor would mean “incidents of crime and disorder are very likely to occur”, while there would also not be an “orderly space to queue” to use the toilet.
They recommended the venue should only be licensed for ground floor operations and for it to not open beyond 11pm each day.
Neighbourhood Inspector Kylie Davis, of Nottinghamshire Police, submitted a statement raising concerns about the application.
She made recommendations for earlier licensable hours and also questioned Mr Attia’s initial suggestion that no door staff would be on-site for security.
The applicant has since responded to address some concerns, though the police inspector believed there is still a chance of the venue having a “detrimental effect” on the reputation of the town’s night-time economy.
She said: “Leeming Street and Toothill Lane is a hotspot area for crime and disorder on Friday and Saturday nights.
“There are … concerns that the venue may be poorly-managed.
“This could have a detrimental effect on the night-time economy of Mansfield and lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour, alcohol-related incidents and crime and disorder.”
Responding to concerns over its management, toilet facilities and door staff provision, the applicant Mr Attia said changes to the application will be made.
However, the venue is still proposing opening hours beyond midnight throughout the week and weekend, as well as an extended 3am opening on bank holidays and New Year’s Eve.
Mr Attia said: “We took [the council and the police’s] advice very seriously in order to make the premises have a positive effect, and will not undermine the licensing objectives.
“We will do all things possible, with [their] help, to provide and protect ourselves our customers and public safety.
“We will provide a second toilet and both will be fitted with sliding door systems. We will provide a [door supervisor] on the door for security, public order and age checks.
“We obviously intend to meet all recommendations met by the police.”
A licensing panel will be held at Mansfield District Council on Tuesday, October 11 to decide whether to grant the premises a licence.
Councillors on the panel can either refuse the application, make amendments to it or approve it as requested by the applicant.
