Plans to open a 'community' bar and restaurant on the former site of a shop have been refused by Sefton Council .
Sophie Weymouth wanted to open 'Gambinos' at 79 Coronation Road in Crosby , with plans to make it a social space - hosting craft and crochet lessons, screen classic films and book club.
But people living nearby complained there are enough similar venues in the area already.
The empty unit has already been refurbished in anticipation of opening as a bar. The other half of the semi-detached property is Corkscrew wine bar, and there are also a number of other bars and restaurants in close proximity.
There have been no concerns raised by police , environmental health or highways officers. However, the council received eight letters of objection from people who live along the road, as well as a petition against the plans - signed by 37 people.
Residents say there are already 'multiple' bars in the area, as well as having concerns about an increase in traffic, noise, obstruction and potentially antisocial behaviour.
Proposals were refused at Sefton Council's planning committee meeting last night, after Cllr Michael O'Brien said Gambinos would have a 'negative effect on local amenities.
Prior to the refusal, Ms Weymouth said: "We really want to open this up as a community space.
"This isn't going to be a place for people to do shots and get roaring drunk - I, myself, don't even drink.
"We want this to be of huge benefit to people who live in the area, and I think a lot of people who have objected have a misconception of what Gambinos is.
"We want to have a bit of culture about us."
Her partner Gary Shields set up a counter petition last month. He said Sophie had been berated and laughed at for simply trying to create a positive for the area.
Mr Shields said: "People moaned about Corkscrew, people moaned about Rocksalt. If we are not careful our little area will become a ghost town.
"This area is crying out for investment but some would rather see a shop that has been empty for over a year sit there, instead of being turned into a lovely bar."
Gambinos is open this week, as owners had previously been granted a temporary licence to host a vegetarian and gluten free food festival (July 1-7) between 10am-11pm each day.
