Southsea cafe granted alcohol licence despite concerns from neighbours

Family-run Delaneys in Castle Road will now be able to sell alcoholic drinks alongside lunches and evening suppers.

Portsmouth councillors approved a licence for the venue following a virtual meeting held yesterday.

Under a condition of the licence alcohol sales must finish at 9pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and at 5pm on other days. The cafe will also have to close by 9.30pm at the latest every day.

Speaking at the meeting, one of the cafe's owners, Belinda Delaney, said: ‘The idea is not to change it a great deal from how it is, just to enhance it and offer customers something else with the offer of alcohol.

‘In addition we want to run an early evening supper menu on Friday and Saturday evenings.

‘We may open on Sundays from 10am to 3pm, it's something we have done in the past but it's never been terribly viable.

‘The only extension to hours is the extended time on Friday and Saturday where we will open until 9pm.’

However, concerns were raised about how noise could affect Delaneys' neighbours.

SEE ALSO: Heartwarming gifts raise funds for NHS

Janet May, who lives above the venue, said: ‘I have had to work from home and I can't hear myself think, I can't work with the windows open.

‘My main thing is do not give the full licence because it would give the opportunity to do those hours in summer when it's warm. Before you know it they will be doing those hours until 10pm every night and cleaning up late.’

Regulatory services officer for the council, Richard Maidment, added: ‘I am really nervous about any licensed premises being attached to residential buildings. They are fraught with all sorts of problems.’

But Ms Delancey said it was planned sound proofing work would be carried out and that there was no intention of playing live music at the venue.

The cafe has recently undergone a refurbishment during lockdown, including installing both new seating and lighting.

The licence allows Delaneys to open until 1am on New Year's Eve.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news online - as well as fewer adverts, access to our digital edition and mobile app.

Our trial offer starts at just £2 a month for the first two months.