Move to curb booze licence

NEARLY 100 villagers have raised concerns over proposals to extend a prominent conference centre's alcohol licence.Blagdon residents are worried if the Lakewood Centre is allowed to open late at night to the public it will affect their quality of life.Currently the business in Rhodyate is only allowed to sell alcohol to people attending pre-booked conferences, but bosses want this stipulation removed so it can serve the public.Bosses also want to be able to provide entertainment, such as live music, until 11pm any day of the week. They also have applied to be able to serve alcohol and put on entertainment until midnight on another 16 Friday or Saturday evenings during the year, so they can hold one-off functions that go on later into the night.North Somerset Council will decide on the plans at a committee meeting today (Fri).Nearly 100 villagers have signed petitions and written letters to the council, saying noise problems are already bad enough and are likely to get even worse if the application is approved.One Rhodyate resident says in a letter: "I object in the strongest terms to this proposed extension being granted."This is due to the noise and disturbance already created under the normal terms."It makes sleeping with the bedroom window open impossible unless you are wearing earplugs."Centre bosses say in a letter to the council: "No speakers for amplification of music or sound will be placed outside the premises."During performances of live music or events involving DJs, windows will be kept shut and doors will be closed."A noise limiter is in place where entertainment takes place at the premises and management will make their best endeavours to avoid nuisance at the nearest residential properties."Customers will be advised to depart the premises quietly and with due consideration to local people and signs are in place reinforcing it.