Student night opening times expanded for Cheltenham pub
Locals are worried about drunken and aggressive behaviour in the area
The Moon Under The Water pub in Cheltenham faced criticism over plans to extend its opening hours, prompting concerns from neighbours about drunken behaviour and disturbances.
The Wetherspoons initially intended to extend alcohol sale times from midnight to 1am on Sundays through Thursdays, and from 1am to 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.
However, after considering community feedback, the proposal was adjusted to only include Wednesdays - the town's student night.
Local people have complained about drunken, noisy and aggressive customers leaving the pub and finding vomit in surrounding streets. They have also reported pub goers urinating in Sandford Park.
A representative for Wetherspoons said, ''We took into account the objections that are coming from our neighbours.
It wasn’t appropriate to continue with the application as originally lodged. It now is limited to an additional hour for licensable activities on Wednesday night only.''
''Our premises are busy, particularly at the moment, with it being freshers’ week, but particularly on a Wednesday night.
What we have found is that the premises are very busy at 12 when they are expected to close. As a consequence of that, we are having to manage a relatively large amount of people onto the street.''
He said an additional hour would make the dispersal of customers from the pub more gradual.
Cheltenham Borough Council's subcommittee granted the Wednesday extension, noting the applicant's willingness to cooperate with local businesses and community needs.