A North Shields bistro has been awarded an alcohol licence despite a concerned resident claiming the area is "saturated" with boozy venues.
Scott and Wilson, which is in a former insurance office on Trevor Terrace, was granted a premises license after councillors heard the steps the owners have taken to run their business responsibly.
At Monday's meeting of the licensing committee, Calvin Chass - speaking on behalf of the applicant - also addressed concerns from the same member of the public about disorder and parking problems.
He said: "The points raised in relation to public disorder, I feel that they are invalid because they pertain largely to other premises.
"We have spend a considerable sum of money on a high definition CCTV system.
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"Parking is not a licensing area. As responsible operators we want our licence until 10pm and close at 11pm which is in line with other operators.
"We see ourselves as a starting point of a night out for people and we'll be closing before the pub across the road."
Mr Chass also said that the venue operates a 'challenge 25 policy' and his staff are trained to ask for identification and refuse service to problem customers.
Members of North Tyneside Council's planning committee voted to grant the premises licence.
