The owner of an interior design shop is seeking to regularise the sale of alcohol on the premises.
DMD Interior Design in Lower Lane, Longridge, has been operating since the summer of 2020 and since spring 2021, the displays were accompanied by a small bar on the shopfloor selling alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on the site.
A premises license was granted by Ribble Valley Borough Council allowing the sale and consumption of alcohol on the premises, subject to a consultation period.
The owner, Ms Diane Despard, is now looking to extend this license to continue being able to serve alcohol on the site.
A planning statement submitted to the council said: “The business at the application site is based on the dual or complimentary use of product sales and sales of beverages from the integrated bar.
“Some customers visit the shop solely to purchase items associated with the interior design business, whilst others visit to purchase a drink at the bar, whilst often meeting and interacting with other members of the community.
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“This application seeks to regularise the bar element of the business.
“The proposal does not seek to establish a typical drinking establishment, and instead is seeking permission to regularise the current business operations at the premises, which includes an existing bar.
“The bar is very much integrated into the shop floor where the interior design items are displayed and sold. The bar is only open when the shop is open.
“It should also be noted the bar serves as an informal meeting place for members of the local community, providing social benefits for the people that live nearby.
“The bar occasionally provides entertainment, usually in the form of one vocalist with an acoustic instrument. It is not believed that entertainment of this type has, or ever would, give rise to noise disturbance that would affect the amenity of residents.”
The shops opening hours will not change should this license be extended. They will remain: Mon/Tues closed, Wed-Sat 12pm-8pm, Sun 12pm-5pm.
Anyone wishing to comment on this application can do so via the council’s website.
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