Bolton: Concern over late licence for nightclub on Deansgate

Applicants Dale Gregory and Harry Gregory applied for a late licence for Evolution on Deansgate.

The application is for the premises to be allowed to open as late as 3.30am on Fridays and Saturdays and to offer alcohol up until half an hour before closing. Previously the premises was allowed to open and to offer alcohol throughout the summer under a series of temporary event notices.

However it is up against a lot of opposition from a police officer, Ben Brookfield, a licensing officer, Garry Lee, and the council's assistant director of public health, Karen Cassidy.

PC Brookfield and Mr Lee said there is a risk of anti-social behaviour and criminal behaviour and Ms Cassidy said this, as well as alcohol consumption itself, is a risk to public health.

PC Brookfield, of GMP Bolton, said: "Greater Manchester Police's night-time policing operation in the town centre is already stretched, utilising several resources on incidents in the areas of Nelson Square, Bradshawgate, Churchgate and Deansgate."

(Image: Newsquest) Evolution is on Deansgate between Popworld and The Old Three Crowns. Previously Dale Gregory, from Kearsley, a former landlord of a number of pubs, said it was "a family-run business".

Mr Gregory told The Bolton News: "It is a family-run business with me and my son [Harry Gregory]. We are all in it together. 

"We are looking to build Bolton back up to what it was. We are looking to be open from lunchtime and on the weekends we'll have later opening hours.

"There is a nightlife but it is lacking in venues for younger people. 

"You can get commercial music but we'll have three different DJs."

The application is up for consideration by the council's licensing committee on Tuesday, October 15 after the adjournment of a previous meeting due to the non-attendance of one of the authorities.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.