Application to extend bar’s opening hours

Simon Wilkins with Clarke Rothwell and Jayne Wilkins. (d603a338)

Joe’s Bar on Market Place is run by Simon Wilkins and Clarke Rothwell, who also own Priestley’s Cafe Bar in the village.

They have applied to Kirklees Council to extend the opening hours at Joe’s Bar from 11pm to midnight during the week and from 11pm to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

The couple also want to open until 2am on Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve.

Birstall councillor Elizabeth Smaje wants the council to refuse the application.

She said: “We have had problems with others bars with customers using the outside space late at night and taxis collection customers.

“We do not want these problems extending to Joe’s Bar.

“It is in the very centre of Birstall and we would want to avoid issues of crime and disorder, which may affect other businesses in the area.”

The application will be discussed by the council’s licensing panel on Tuesday.