Extension at bar is opposed by police

The owners of Sugar Lounge, in Priory Walk, Doncaster, have applied to take over a neighbouring shop and also want to sell alcohol for half an hour longer, taking the latest closing time to 2.30am.

But senior officers at South Yorkshire Police have objected to the proposal saying that the bar is at the centre of a disproportionately high number of crimes which are committed in the area at night.

South Yorkshire Police figures show that Sugar Lounge, which has a current capacity of 100, saw 18 crimes in 2011, while 23 crimes were committed at nearby Moods nightclub, which has a capacity of 1,360.

The neighbouring Walkabout bar, with a total capacity of 1030, saw 25 crimes committed, and the Wetherspoons pub the Gate House was at the centre of just five recorded crimes, despite its capacity of 752.

Members of Doncaster Council’s licencing board have been asked to rule on the application and will examine the police representations and those submitted by the owners at a meeting tomorrow.

But in a letter written to the committee, officers call for the application to be rejected, because they claim it will lead to further crime and stretch police resources beyond acceptable levels.

The police report says: “Sugar Lounge is a busy venue in Doncaster town centre, and tends to attract the younger sector of customers due to the style of music that is played and the selection of drinks.

“The premises has an outside drinking area to the front that is the full width of the property, this gets very busy throught the evening and attracts crowds of customers, particularly large groups.

“This application will have a significant impact on crime and disorder in this part of the town centre.”