PLANS to open a new cafe-bar in Lewes are set to go before a council licensing panel next week. 

On Friday (August 5), a Lewes District Council licensing panel is due to consider an application to open new premises within a former shop at 29 High Street in Lewes. 

The application comes from a Brighton-based business known as Apiary by Bell Limited and seeks permission to serve alcohol and food between 8am and 11.30pm, seven-days-a-week.

As part of conditions agreed with Sussex Police, alcohol could only be served to seated patrons and should only be sold when food is available. According to their plans, the premises would have both indoor and outdoor tables. 

The business would also be able to sell sealed alcohol for consumption off-site and takeaway food.

While no objections have been raised by Sussex Police or any other local authorities, the application has seen some concerns from local residents. These concerns are largely around the potential for noise disturbance from the business. 

Both these residents and the applicant will have the opportunity to put forward their views, before councillors make a decision on the licence.

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