A pub was today celebrating a victorious bid for a public entertainment licence, despite fierce opposition from neighbours.

However, there are strict licence conditions on the Benfleet Tavern, in High Road, Benfleet, and it will be restricted to between 7pm-11pm on Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays.

Castle Point Council's hearing and appeals panel granted the controversial licence to run until December 31 after listening to arguments from both sides.

Originally, the Benfleet Tavern asked for the licence from 11am-11pm six-days-a-week and noon to 10.30pm on Sundays - which sparked strong objections.

Solicitor Philip Somarakis, representing the pub, assured the hearing the licence was not intended to be operated during all those times.

He told how, since their arrival two months ago, licensees Ron and Laurie Waters had ousted previous unruly elements.

Mr Somarakis said: "The customers are now aged around 30 to 60, with 90 per cent of them living within a mile or two of the pub."

Former regular Dennis Shrubshall, 69, of Richmond Avenue, Benfleet, said: "Trouble got so bad in 1991 that after being missed very closely with a glass thrown through the air, I decided not to go there any more."

However, neighbours were assured among the conditions for the licence would be those recommended by the police, such as a noise limiter, the doors and windows would be kept shut and internal security cameras provided.

They were also encouraged to discuss their worries at any time with the licensees.

Published Wednesday, April 23, 2003

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