Worksop chip shop owner told he will need to employ BOUNCERS to guard his business at night

A Worksop chip shop owner has been left concerned for the future of his business after being told he will need to employ two bouncers to guard his shop at night.
Colin Barton and Kumari NicolaColin Barton and Kumari Nicola
Colin Barton and Kumari Nicola

Colin Barton, who co-runs Nicola’s Fish bar on Carlton Road with his partner, was also instructed to install four CCTV cameras by Nottinghamshire police.

The 56-year-old said he had been approached by the police and had several visits from Bassetlaw Council staff after applying for a Late Night Refreshment Licence, which would allow him to trade from 11pm to 3.30am on Fridays and Saturdays.

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Colin, who opened the business six weeks ago, said: “The council and the police are always going on about how they want to help small businesses, but this obviously isn’t helping me at all. I’ve worked it out, and it would cost me £17 per hour to have two registered bouncers on the door.

“With rent, electricity and everything else to pay, I hardly have that kind of money to throw around. We are literally across from the Rewind club where there are two doormen who are so close we can talk to them from inside the shop.

“I can understand why pubs and clubs in the area need bouncers, but this is a chip shop. We sell fish and chips, no alcohol involved, and have had no trouble from anyone so far. I’ve never heard anything like it.”

Councillor Josie Potts, chairman of Licensing at Bassetlaw Council said: “The police have suggested that as part of the licensing conditions for Nicola’s Fish and Kebab bar to operate until 3:30am, the licensee should employ security staff and CCTV.

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“This is standard practice in a number of establishments in Bassetlaw with 70 per cent of those with late night refreshment licenses having security and CCTV. Ultimately we want to ensure that people have an enjoyable and safe night out and these measures add to that. As with all licensing applications, the application will be decided on the businesses’s merits.

“This will be in line with legislation and our licensing policies, with input from statutory consultees such as the police.”

A Nottinghamshire Police spokesman told the Guardian: “Whilst licensing issues with regards this premises are still being considered, it would be inappropriate to comment on this matter.”

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