Red-light district cafe plan opposed

Stephen Redhead has applied for a licence to open Little Reds Cafe in Mowbray Street, Kelham Island, from 7am until 4pm every day and then again from 11pm until 5am.

Mr Redhead said: "Any person displaying criminal or disorderly conduct will be asked to leave the premises immediately and the police will be informed.

"Every effort will be made to ensure that the safety of the public is paramount at all times. Notices will be displayed to encourage customers to be responsible and respectful with regard to noise when leaving the premises. Children under the age of 16 will be discouraged from using the premises between 11pm and 5am."

However, police officers have contacted Sheffield Council to object to the licensing application, which is set to be considered by councillors at a meeting today.

A spokesman for Sheffield police's city centre safer neighbourhood area said: "The cafe is situated within the red-light area of Sheffield city centre.

"If a licence was granted that allowed the cafe to trade until 5am it would become a haven for those engaged in anti-social behaviour and criminality.

"Given that there are no licensed premises in the area open until that time, it is difficult to see what trade there would be other than those engaged in illegal or immoral activity."

Safer neighbourhood officer Phil Ashford said he had "grave reservations" about the application, adding: "By allowing the cafe to trade until 5am the potential to attract anti-social clientele is a concern, as is increased noise nuisance within the area."

The meeting begins at 10am at Sheffield Town Hall.