Thai take-away refused licence to stay open until 3am

A Thai take-away has been told to curb its plans for a late hours licence after concerns were raised at the Shetland Licensing Sub-committee meeting.

Management at the Chohk Dee in Commercial Street, Lerwick, wanted to operate a late hours catering licence which would have enabled it to stay open from 11pm on Friday nights through to 3am on Saturday mornings, and again from Saturday into Sunday.

The application was brought before members of the sub-committee on Monday after complaints were received. Nearby resident Euan Forrester said he and his partner had trouble getting a decent night’s sleep because of the noise generated by two extractor fans used by the take-away.

Mr Forrester added that the poor hygienic conditions of the fans had resulted in “a very unpleasant pungent smell of rancid fat” in the area.

The proprietor of nearby take-away Tatties and Point, Marion Sage, also objected to the plans – principally because it falls within a 50 metre zone of her premises, which is contrary to licensing regulations. She said she was uncertain Chohk Dee would be well enough equipped to deal with disturbances which could happen late at night on the weekends.

“I don’t believe these premises are fit for purpose in terms of public order and safety of staff,” Mrs Sage said.

Councillor Gary Robinson moved that the application be refused.  He said it was clear the extractor fan had caused problems, although he was less concerned by the 50 metre ruling as that has been relaxed on previous incidents.
He was seconded by Jim Budge.