Delicatessen gets alcohol licence for future bistro plans

A DELICATESSEN in Brecon has been given a licence to sell alcohol by Powys County Council.

At a meeting of the council’s Licensing sub-committee on Tuesday January 25, councillors listened to an application by Ann Davies and Catrin Price of Country Kitchen, Pegasus Lane,  Brecon.

They wanted a licence to sell alcohol in their first-floor shop and on the second floor which the aim to turn into a bistro.

Powys senior licensing officer Sue Jones told councillors that under “permitted development rights” a bistro could operate up to April 29.

Ms Jones said: “The delicatessen is up and trading, and they have been using temporary events licence up until Christmas to authorise sales of alcohol.

“The application has gone out to consultation, which closed on Christmas Eve, there were no objections from the Police, Fire and Rescue Service, Licensing Authority or Trading Standards.”

Ms Jones explained that a letter had been received from Brecon Beacons National Park Authority (BBNPA) pointing out that a change of use planning permission would be needed for the bistro.

She added that an objection had been lodged from a resident – which is why the hearing was needed.

Mrs Price said that they hope to open bistro which would cater for up to 20 people.

“It would be food orientated due to the upstairs having to be accessed through our shop floor,” said Mrs Price.

Mrs Davies added: “We could have opened the bistro until April 29, but we decided go down the correct route and if there were any issues we wouldn’t be made to look like fools and close the bistro after opening it.”

“We are hoping to do the majority of our trade during normal trading hours between 9 and 5.30pm.

“We’re a deli which is different to a restaurant, people are not coming here to consume huge amounts of alcohol, we just want it (licence) so that if someone decides they want a glass of Burgundy with their pate, they can.

“It’s a small sociable drink with your meal.”

Cllr Lewis said: “I’m happy, they have explained that it’s not a pub but a drink with a meal.”

Committee chairman, Cllr Francesca Jump asked if the objector had turned to the online meeting, and when it was confirmed that they had not, the committee retired to deliberate on the application.

When they came back into the meeting Cllr Jump said: “After a long discussion we are very happy to grant you a licence.”

The hours of sale would be 7.30am to 5pm Monday to Wednesday, 7.30am to 12 midnight Thursday to Saturday, and 9am to 12 midnight.

They will also be able to provide “late night refreshment” from 11am to 12 midnight from Thursday to Sunday.