A city centre chicken shop has won its battle to stay open until 1am.
Chickalicious has secured the approval of city councillors to extend its opening hours, despite protestations from a rival in Grainger Street.
The neighbouring Town House cafe had towards a customer and warned of dangerous parking issues around the site.
But Newcastle City Council’s licensing sub-committee agreed on Tuesday to approve Chickalicious’ plans - subject to strict conditions on issues including CCTV, provision of door staff, and cleaning.
The council also said that the site must operate predominantly as a restaurant and have taken steps to prevent it using a servery hatch for takeaway purposes.
Chickalicious owner Omar Farooq said: “Chickalicious is a casual dine in restaurant with takeaway facilities, this is a common business operation. Due to our location we do have demand for takeout but we operate as a restaurant first and foremost and this is evident in our food serving and general set up.
“We are a local business that works with and supports the community.
“We have scheduled a number of conditions including door supervision on weekends to ensure that we are supporting prevention of crime in the area.
“I also would like to add that I believe I have satisfied the committee in regards to any complaints of odour or other accusations made against us.
“Our neighbouring businesses have a fantastic relationship with us and we are happy to offer a dine in restaurant facility with takeaway as there has been great demand for it throughout the day and at late nights.”
In an objection sent to the council, the Town House’s Albert Harding had also complained that businesses have been flooded because of blocked drains caused by Chickalicious discarding oil improperly and of the smell emanating from the building.
Mr Farooq said that the accusations were “baseless” before a first scheduled licensing hearing to decide on the plans earlier this month, which had to be postponed.
