Former Boots gets bar licence despite concerns

The former Boots store on Gorleston High Street has been granted a music and alcohol licence but still needs planning permission

A former pharmacy could be converted into a late-night bar and bistro after a council granted an alcohol and entertainment licence.

Boots in Gorleston closed in December 2023, and a bid to convert the shop into a takeaway was turned down a year later.

Fresh proposals submitted to Great Yarmouth Borough Council for permission to serve drinks and play live music at the venue until 02:00 daily have sparked concerns from 17 nearby residents.

However, the council's licensing committee approved the proposal from applicant Sanjeeve Thevakanthan, but cut the trading hours to reduce the impact on the community.

'Big investment'

If granted in full, the licence would have allowed alcohol and food to be served and live and recorded music to be performed until 02:00

According to paperwork supplied to the council, the applicant lives in Coventry, and has experience of operating bars and restaurants in London.

It said opening the new venture represented a "big investment", and would be a "great addition to this seaside town".

The application requested permission to sell alcohol and play live and recorded music from 10:00 to 02:00. Under licensing rules no permission is required for live and recorded music before 23:00.

Objections lodged with the council stated the 56-seat venue, called The Tipsy Grill and Bar, would cause disorderly behaviour and disturbance to neighbours.

At a meeting on Friday councillors voted to approve the licence, but stipulated alcohol and food cannot be served after 01:00 and that music cannot be played after midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Planning permission has not been granted for any change of use but that does not prevent an application for an alcohol or entertainment licence.

Differing opinions

Cynthia Gibbs, left, said she would enjoy visiting the venue, but her friend Michelle Watkin thought it would not suit the high street

Other people gave their views on the plans to the BBC.

Cynthia Gibbs, 62 from Southtown, Great Yarmouth, said: "I'm all for it. Music until two in the morning; I might be nearly 63, but if I have to stand out on the street and have a little dance in the street now and again, I'm up for it."

Her friend Michelle Watkin, 53, from Gorleston, said: "We need something better down here instead of hairdressers and charity shops and food."

Lily and Jordan Duncan have different opinions about whether a late-night bar and bistro would benefit Gorleston

Lily Duncan, 34, of Lowestoft, said: "I guess it depends what kind of vibe it has. If it was a nice style, it would work."

Her husband Jordan, 31, who grew up in Gorleston, said: "Two o'clock is a bit late, isn't it? I'm not sure it is the right thing to do."

Harry Barnard, 18, said there was an underage drinking problem in Gorleston and thought another venue could cause a problem in the town

Harry Barnard, 18, of Gorleston, said: "It will make the [premises] look better, but I don't think it will be a good idea.

"You will get youngsters out and young people drunk and it's not good."

'I'd rather have a late-night bistro'

Maureen Paterson said she would prefer a late-night bistro to takeaways and vape shops

Maureen Paterson, 66, of Gorleston, said: "We need some stuff here; stumbling distance to the house. If it doesn't come, I'm fine; if it does come, I'm fine.

"No more takeaways, no more vape shops; I'd rather have a late-night bistro."