A restauranteur planning to open a club in his basement has vowed not to turn it into a drunken nightclub.

Danny Bovil, owner of Zanzibar, in Alexandra Street, Southend, said the plans would merely allow for his restaurant to be extended to the premises below.

He said it would offer diners the chance to have a sit down meal up to 12.30pm and also enjoy comedy nights or live music in the 400-capacity basement venue.

Mr Bovil said: "This will certainly not be a place where you pay £13 and drink as much as you like."

The plans will be looked at by Southend Council's licensing committee.

Published Friday, April 11, 2003

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