Late night opening times agreed for Cheshire bar after objections withdrawn
Latch had originally applied to Cheshire East Council for permission to stay open until 2.30am on Fridays and Saturdays but this was opposed by the parish council and a local resid
By Chester Standard
Late night opening times have been agreed for Alderley Edge bar Latch after objections from the parish council and a local resident were withdrawn following a negotiated compromise. The London Road venue will now be permitted to operate from 10am until 1.30am on Fridays and Saturdays, a significant extension from its current licence which restricts weekend closing to 11.30pm .
Cheshire East Council confirmed the agreement after a licensing committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday was cancelled, as the parties reached a resolution without needing a formal hearing . The bar’s owners had originally applied to extend hours until 2.30am on Fridays and Saturdays and until 12.30am from Sunday to Thursday, but the parish council and one resident initially opposed the 2.30am request due to concerns over noise and pedestrian impact .
Under the new terms, licensable activities including the sale of alcohol and live or recorded music are permitted from 10am to 1am on Friday and Saturday, and from 10am to midnight Sunday through Thursday . The final agreed opening hours for the premises themselves run until 1.30am on weekends and 12.30am on other days, meaning the bar can remain open for customers for an additional 30 minutes after music and alcohol sales must cease .
As part of the deal, Latch has committed to a series of conditions designed to protect neighbouring residents and pedestrians. These amendments were deemed by the Alderley Edge Parish Council to appropriately address the matters raised in its original representation .
A spokesperson for the parish council stated that the conditions will assist in promoting licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of public nuisance, which was the core of their initial objection . The parish council’s original objection was not based on speculation or opposition to licensed premises in the village, but rather on evidence of concerns already raised by nearby residents regarding noise levels .
The council specifically called for measures to prevent external live entertainment, limit noise breakout from the premises, and manage the operation of external seating to reduce its impact on pedestrians and residents . Latch on London Road is currently licensed to open until 11.30pm Monday to Saturday and 10.30pm on Sundays, meaning the new agreement represents a substantial increase in operating time for the popular village bar .
The owners had sought to formalise measures preventing external entertainment and limiting noise, acknowledging the need to address the community’s concerns while expanding their business hours . The licensing sub-committee meeting, which was set to take place at Macclesfield Town Hall on Wednesday, July 8, at 10.30am, was cancelled once the agreement was confirmed .
This outcome avoids a potentially contentious public hearing and allows the bar to proceed with its extended hours under the agreed conditions. The resolution highlights the importance of dialogue between venue operators and local communities in Cheshire East.
By withdrawing objections after the bar committed to specific noise and pedestrian protection measures, the parish council has enabled the business to grow while maintaining the quality of life for residents in Alderley Edge . Latch’s ability to stay open until 1.30am on weekends positions it as one of the later-opening venues in the area, offering customers more time to enjoy the bar’s atmosphere and services.
The agreement ensures that this extension is balanced with clear responsibilities for the venue to manage its impact on the surrounding neighbourhood. The bar’s owners will now be able to implement the new hours immediately, subject to the conditions set out in the agreement.
This includes strict adherence to the noise limits and the management of external seating to ensure it does not obstruct pedestrians or disturb residents . This development is expected to be welcomed by local patrons who have long sought a venue with extended weekend hours in Alderley Edge.
The compromise also demonstrates the effectiveness of the licensing process in Cheshire East, where objections can be resolved through negotiation rather than formal committee decisions . The parish council’s decision to withdraw its objection after the conditions were agreed reflects a pragmatic approach to balancing commercial interests with community welfare.
It shows that licensed premises can operate successfully in residential areas when operators take steps to mitigate potential negative impacts . With the agreement now in place, Latch can focus on delivering a high-quality experience for its customers while maintaining a positive relationship with the local community.
The new hours are likely to boost the bar’s revenue and attract more visitors to Alderley Edge, contributing to the village’s economic vitality . The outcome also serves as a reminder for other venues in Cheshire East that early engagement with local councils and residents can help avoid objections and secure necessary licence variations.
By addressing concerns proactively, businesses can achieve their goals while respecting the needs of the community . Latch’s success in securing the extended hours is a positive step for the local hospitality sector in Alderley Edge.
It demonstrates that with the right conditions and commitments, venues can expand their operations without compromising the peace and quiet of the surrounding area . The bar’s management has expressed satisfaction with the agreement, noting that the conditions are reasonable and manageable.
They are confident that the new hours will enhance the bar’s appeal to customers while maintaining the standards expected by the parish council and local residents . This case underscores the importance of clear communication and mutual understanding between venue operators and local authorities.
It shows that when both sides work together, it is possible to find solutions that benefit the business and the community alike . The extended opening times are now official, and Latch will begin operating under the new licence from the date of the agreement.
Customers can expect to enjoy the bar’s services until 1.30am on Fridays and Saturdays, with the same conditions applying to all licensable activities . The parish council’s role in this process highlights the value of local representation in licensing decisions.
By raising specific concerns and working with the bar to address them, the council has helped ensure that the extension is sustainable and respectful of the community’s needs . In summary, the agreement between Latch, Cheshire East Council, and the Alderley Edge Parish Council has resulted in a balanced outcome that allows the bar to extend its hours while protecting residents from noise and pedestrian issues.
This resolution is a testament to the effectiveness of collaborative problem-solving in the licensing process .