Law enforcement officers and council representatives have raised concerns about an application for an alcohol licence at a proposed bar and taproom in a Brighton neighbourhood plagued by elevated crime rates.
Cosies (Brighton) Limited is seeking to establish a venue at 10 Dyke Road, a property previously occupied by Beatties Toys, followed by Pizza Hut and most recently by an axe-throwing business named Hatchet Harry’s.
The company, controlled by Harvey Siney, 33, a resident of Hove, is requesting permission to sell alcoholic drinks for consumption both on and off the establishment between 2pm and 11pm Tuesday through Friday, and from noon until 11pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Sussex Police and Brighton and Hove City Council submitted objections to the proposal, citing elevated crime statistics and the concentration of alcohol-focused establishments already operating in the vicinity.
Sergeant Mark Redbourn lodged a formal objection on behalf of Sussex Police, indicating that 209 violent offences had been recorded within 200 metres of the proposed location over the preceding twelve months.
The area had also experienced 955 theft-related incidents, 20 sexual assaults, 38 robberies and 36 drug-related offences during the same period.
Sergeant Redbourn stated that while not every offence could be directly attributed to alcohol consumption or licensed premises, alcohol frequently features in such incidents, whether individuals commit crimes while intoxicated or become targets because of their level of drunkenness.
Within the Regency ward of Brighton, 683 offences connected to alcohol were recorded throughout the past year.
Officers from Sussex Police recommended that Mr Siney explore obtaining a restaurant licence instead, which would limit alcohol sales to customers purchasing meals. However, the enterprise preferred a café-style model where food would simply be accessible.
Certain provisional conditions were discussed and accepted. These encompassed displaying food menus, providing hot and cold beverages without alcohol and restricting stronger beers and ciders to craft and specialist varieties.
Mr Siney declined to implement table service but expressed interest in permitting food from external catering businesses.
The licensing team observed that council guidelines require cafés to cease operations by 10pm, whereas restaurants serving alcohol alongside food may extend their hours further.
The council’s policies additionally limit the approval of new off-sales licences in and around Brighton’s central district.
Mr Siney explained that Cosies Bar and Taproom intends to offer a community-oriented, laid-back space where individuals from diverse backgrounds can gather, form connections, appreciate music and conversation while enjoying premium alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks.
As a compact, intimate venue focused on independent craft beer and superior wines and spirits, Cosies’ guiding principle revolves around delivering an elevated experience for patrons.
A licensing panel session has been arranged for 10am on Wednesday 25 March, with arrangements in place for the proceedings to be streamed online.