Plans to return a former Edwardian hotel to its “crowning glory” with live music, dancing and late-night film showings have been snubbed due to fears over safety and noise. An application to vary the premises licence for Keppel's Bar at The Grand in Folkestone was submitted to the district council earlier this year. But members of the licensing sub-committee have rejected the proposal put forward by The Grand Hotel Folkestone Ltd.
The application had sought permission for the bar, and other areas of the historic building such as Palm Court, Tudor Room and Principle State Rooms, to remain open until midnight, seven nights a week. It also requested for plays to be performed until 10pm, movie screenings until 10.30pm, live music until 10pm, recorded music until 11.
30pm, dance performances until 11.30pm, and the sale of alcohol permitted until 11.30pm.
A similar application had been submitted last year, but was also rejected. This time around, concerns had been raised by residents of the building, with one informing the committee: “I strongly oppose this licence extension application on the grounds of noise, nuisance, wear and tear on the building, safety of residents and a clear breach of the lease.” Another resident added: “Not only do the issues of noise, nuisance, disruption, breaching of the lease and safety concerns still apply, this current application appears disingenuous in that it is entitled 'Keppel's variation application'.
“However the application relates.