Owners of a pier nightclub have been ordered to pay costs of more than £22,000 after losing an appeal over opening hours.

Leisure Parcs Limited, who own Atlantis Night Club, appealed against Eastbourne Borough Council's Licensing Committee's decision not to extend hours of business.

They wanted to extend the club's current hours which are Monday-Thursday 10pm-2.30am, Friday-Saturday 10pm-3.30am. and Sunday 10pm-2.30am.

But last week Eastbourne Magistrates Court dismissed the appeal and granted the council's application that Leisure Parcs Ltd pay its costs - £22,061.50.

Kareen Plympton, Licensing Manager, said: "We are delighted with the outcome, which supports the council's original decision, ensuring that licensed premises in the town are safe and well managed. It's about balancing the different needs of the leisure industry with those of the town's key support services, coupled with the necessary mechanisms to protect local businesses, residents and visitors to the town."

At the appeal hearing, nine local residents and hoteliers gave evidence and outlined the effect of Leisure Parcs' current licence and operation and the associated negative impact on their quality of life and businesses.

Each gave evidence of their fears as to what could happen were the licence to be extended.

The magistrates stated they had heard compelling evidence relating to the crime, disorder and nuisance that currently existed in the locality.

They found problems currently being experienced could largely be attributed to patrons arriving at or leaving the pier having consumed alcohol.

The Court concluded Leisure Parcs had not acted sufficiently swiftly, nor had it taken sufficient steps to address the issues.

Thursday, May 4, 2006