CAFE-OWNERS have launched a bid to start selling booze after being inundated with requests from customers for a glass of wine with food.

The Break and Brunch cafe in Leigh Road, Leigh, is the latest venue to apply for an alcohol license along the road which is bustling with cafes and restaurants.

Southend Council licensing committee heard the application yesterday after one resident objected to the bid to sell booze.

Bars and restaurants have sprung up along the road in recent years but Lindita Isufi said her café would not attract a rowdy clientele.

Ms Isufi, who has owned the business for six years, told the committee: “It’s a little café serving lunch. It’s only 25 seats. It’s family-friendly where they come and have a glass of wine with their meal. Customers have requested it because it’s really like a small family place.”

Her agent, Paul Richards, also assured the committee there would be no late night noise from the café which would be open from 11am to 10pm.

He said: “It’s not a late license but open to 10pm Monday to Sunday. My client didn’t wish to trade beyond that time. She recognised that beyond that it can become frequented by the night time economy. That’s not the business model my client wants to have or promote within the area.

“The application has taken into consideration local concerns. We believe the application is sympathetic with the area and within the realms of the licensing act. The application has not attracted any representations from the police.”

Mr Richards added: “It will allow my client to expand her business are recover from the pandemic and get back onto track.”

If granted, only customers eating at the café can be served with alcoholic drinks and they will only be served at tables. The cafe will be able to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises but only in unopened bottles or containers.

The application follows that of Egg Bros also in Leigh Road. Following that hearing last month, the breakfast and brunch café was given the go ahead to serve alcohol to diners.

The committee has yet to announce its decision for Break and Brunch.