The new owner first asked authorization to keep the venue up until 4 a.m. for half the week. A plan to reopen a former city centre shisha bar has been proposed. A licensing application suggests that the now-empty Church Gate building, which originally housed the Doen Lounge, could reopen. The building has fallen into disrepair since the pub closed, with pigeon and rat infestations and water in some areas, according to council documents. The building’s electricity has also been turned off because the past owner failed to pay their bills.
However, new owner Himanshu Patel has proposed reopening it, which might give it fresh life. The new venue will be called Gate 65. He has applied to the Leicester City Council for a fresh building licence. The authority stated that the proposed new use is substantially similar to the previous one: a Shisha Bar and Restaurant. Both the council and Leicestershire Police have expressed concerns about the proposal, notably the late-night weekend opening hours. Mr. Patel has asked authorization to keep the premises open from 4 p.m. to midnight Monday through Wednesday, and until 4 a.m. Thursday through Sunday nights.
Jefferson Pritchard, the police force’s licensing officer, stated, “Unfortunately, late-night refreshment places and licensed premises that sell alcohol frequently serve as magnets for members of the public under the influence of alcohol and other illegal substances. This can occasionally lead to antisocial behaviour, criminality, and disruption.” He also stated that the application was “vague” but “hints at some mitigating measures” for potential issues. The force proposed reducing the opening hours to 4pm until 2:30am on Thursdays and Sundays, and 4pm until 3:30am on Fridays and Saturdays.
He also proposed requirements for CCTV, such as ensuring that music is turned off at least 30 minutes before closing on nights when the pub closes after midnight, as well as the deployment of bouncers on Friday and Saturday nights. Pc Pritchard stated that the applicant had “indicated he would be willing to agree to the proposed conditions”. He continued: “Leicestershire Police have some concerns about the application but believe the inclusion of some additional conditions will reduce the likelihood of crime and disorder in the future and help promote and uphold the licensing objectives.”
The municipal council’s noise and licensing departments expressed similar worries. According to noise officer James Brown, the evening business in Church Gate has “dwindled significantly” over the last decade, leaving just stores, residential premises, and a few restaurants. This has reduced noise levels in the region, he explained. As a shisha bar, the building has an open roof part. According to Mr Brown, this will “provide a pathway for noise to travel through and impact the adjacent properties”.
Concerns were expressed about the inclusion of “amplified music” in the application, as well as the desire to sell alcohol. “Incidences of impulsive noises such as shouting or glasses smashing will be particularly intrusive to nearby properties” , added Mr. Brown. The licensing committee of Leicester City Council is scheduled to meet next week to discuss the application. They will have to determine whether to approve the licence, approve it with conditions, or reject it. Documents indicate that even if permitted, the venue may not open for several months due to necessary repairs.
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