This Portsmouth pub is hoping to get a new licence

Portsmouth councillors are set to make a decision on a licence for The Wellington pub in the High Street, Old Portsmouth, during a meeting next week.

If approved, the pub, which is currently open using temporary notices, will open from Monday to Thursday between 8am and 12.30am, on Friday and Saturday between 8am and 1.30am and on Sunday between 9am and 12am.

It will also allow for alcohol sales on Monday to Friday from 11am to 12am, on Saturday from 11am to 1am, and Sunday from 11am to 11.30pm, with an additional hour on bank holiday weekends.

The bar and restaurant had the same licence for years previously but when it was was bought in November by new owners the licence wasn't transferred in time so it lapsed.

A spokesman for the pub said: 'We are not asking for anything different to what the pub has had for years so it's disappointment that residents have had to make objections.

'The new licence has come at an expense. We have also completed a considerable refurbishment and spent a lot of money on the restaurant and the pub.

'We are really looking forward to getting the licence and welcoming customers as well as making sure the pub is a good part of the community as it has always been.'

As part of the licence conditions the new owners have agreed to extra conditions including keeping the pub windows closed when it's open to public, encouraging customers to leave quietly, installing CCTV and operating a Challenge 25 policy.

A total of four objections have been raised by nearby residents around concerns over noise and waste management.

Richard Dewhurst, who lives next door, said: 'Opening until 1am at weekends is not in line with the vast majority of other pubs in the immediate area and can attract customers from other local pubs that have already closed for the night, making it a potential magnet for noisy late night drinkers which is simply unfair to residents surrounding the premises.'

The virtual licensing meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 2.

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