A LUTON resident has told of her fears of the “horrors” that extending a popular pub’s licensing hours could bring to her neighbourhood.
Mehela Rahman believes that extending drinking hours at the Biscot Mill pub, in Biscot Road, will “startle sound sleepers from their rightful sleep” and “attract dealers of all sorts” to the area.
The pub, currently part of the Hungry Horse chain run by Greene King, has applied to Luton Borough Council to be allowed to remain open from 11am on Fridays until 6am on Saturday mornings, with the same hours the following night and permission to serve alcohol until midnight on a Sunday.
Ms Rahman said in a letter to this newspaper: “It’s less than a few metres away from a respected church and mosque. The idea is outrageous. In my opinion it’s the almost satanic irony of someone praying to God in the most sincere manner, while intoxicated youngsters get into scrabbles with others or startle sleepers from their rightful sleep.”
But not all local residents agree with Ms Rahman.
Another local resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “The Biscot Mill has been trading as a drinking establishment for over 50 years.
“The Mosque chose to situate itself opposite the pub fully aware of the nature of its business as also did the people who have moved into the area.
“The Wheatsheaf and the Brittania have both closed and the Biscot Mill has to adapt with the times to survive and continue to provide a service to those who choose to use it.
“I believe that the dangers to her children are more likely to be caused by the illegal, indiscriminate, dangerous and selfish parking around the area when the Mosque is being used.”
A Greene King spokesperson reassured residents yesterday that should the licence be granted, it will only apply to a monthly theme night which finishes at 4am with a ‘dry bar’ from 3.30am.
He said: “We would like to reassure our neighbours that this will be the only change to the current operation of these events and they should notice no other difference at all in the running of this popular community pub.”
Residents can still comment on the licensing application before June 13. The application can be viewed at the licensing service during normal office hours or online via the register http://www2.luton.gov.uk/eLR/start.aspx search for licensed premises - variation of licence - Biscot Mill.”