LOCAL residents have signed a petition expressing their disapproval of a bid to extend the Pear Tree Inn’s opening hours when it starts trading again.
The Pear Tree Inn, in Whitley, is expected to reopen later this year after being taken over by pub company Punch Taverns.
An application was submitted in June to change its licence and allow the pub to serve drinks until midnight, and to remain open until half past midnight.
27 village residents recently presented a petition to Wiltshire Council appealing against the changes. The petition said, “We believe the extension of sale of alcohol hours to midnight seven days a week is out of keeping with this small quiet village.
“Furthermore, the residents’ lives will be disrupted considerably beyond these late hours if patrons are given until 00.30 hours to finish their meals and drinks and leave the premises.
“We therefore ask that the Licensing Authority refuse permission to extend the currently approved hours.”
Variations to the licence included in the application were:
• Sale of alcohol on Monday to Sunday from 10:00hrs until midnight.
• Late night refreshment on Monday to Sunday from 23:00hrs until midnight.
• Opening hours from 07:00hrs until 00:30hrs Monday to Sunday.
A Punch Tavern spokesperson responded to the concerns saying, “We are due to begin the large scale refurbishment of the Pear Tree in August of 2015, and as part of those works we are looking at all aspects of the operation. As such we have submitted a variation of the licence to increase trading times by one hour Monday to Sunday, with further trading to continue for bona fide guests stopping in the letting accommodation. This is to provide greater opportunity for the pub especially when holding functions.
“Given the direction and operation of the business and that the application is only a small change, we believe any possible disruption will be minimal, if any at all. However, to try and allay local concerns our licensee and local area manager will be inviting residents to meet with them at the pub to discuss our plans.”
Punch Taverns are expected to start their £250,000 renovation of the pub next month, after celebrity chef Marco Pierre White withdrew from the premises last year.
The firm recently applied for permission to make significant changes to the Grade II listed pub’s interior. The application shows an intention to remove the existing bar and the lowered ceiling in the pub’s sun room, as well as reopening doorways in partition walls.
