Late-night drinking at the Grand runs into opposition (From Echo)

Late-night drinking at the Grand in Leigh, when it's revamped as a hotel, run into opposition

8:00am Friday 3rd February 2012 in Southend

PLANS to serve booze until the early hours at the Grand Hotel, in Leigh, have hit another snag.

Leigh Town Council has now objected to the latest alcohol licence application to open the iconic bar until 1am through the week and until 2.30am on Fridays and Saturdays.

The application forms part of plans to convert the Grand into a boutique hotel.

Developer and the Only Way Is Essex star Michael Norcross, who owns the Sugar Hut Nightclub, Brentwood, has also applied for a live music licence for the Grand.

However, Pat Holden, chairman of Leigh Town Council, said: “I think there have been a large number of objections to it being open so late.

“We are just hoping they will be reasonable and appreciate that people want the Grand open, but also they understand people’s concerns and perhaps alter their request.

“It is probably the most iconic building in the area and it has always been a meeting place for people.

“I think it is just such a fantastic building it would be great if people can use it as a new venue.

“I think Leigh has got a very strong character of its own and I hope that would influence the Grand.”

Mrs Holden hoped Mr Norcross will retain the name and the signage of the hotel and highlighted some businesses have not successfully changed their traditional names.

On January 9, town councillors on the licensing sub-committee objected to the application on the grounds of preventing public nuisance and public safety.

In the latest town council minutes, it stated: “The proposed opening hours until 2.30am are likely to change the customer profile of the people frequenting the locality.” It also raised issues such as noise, parking, doormen and the proximity of the hotel to nearby houses.

Following the previous application, Essex Police raised concerns the late opening would increase crime and disorder.

Mr Norcross was unavailable for comment.

The final decision on the license applications will be considered by Southend Council.