A COMPROMISE has been reached over a pool club's controversial application for a late night alcohol licence.

Debden Pool and Snooker Sports Bar which opens until 5am had applied to sell alcohol until 4am, but was instead granted a 2am licence although that still concerned some residents.

Bar owner Savvas Kounnis's solicitor Andy Grimsey told the licensing hearing: “We fully understand and respect the residents' concerns, it's perfectly understandable when a new premises opens or reopens. Equally it's extremely important to point out that this is in no way trading as a club or a bar or anything like that.

“Mr Kounnis has applied for the permissions to operate as a sports bar. It's just for people to play pool or snooker.”

Cllr Ricki Gadsby questioned whether people would really play snooker from 10am to 5am.

Mr Kounnis said: “You get people during the daytime it does vary. You get shift workers who play loads. A lot of clubs operate till 4 or 5 O'clock in the morning. There's other clubs in the area licensed to 4am. I know of clubs which are 24 hours.”

Around ten residents had objected to the licence concerned at potential problems with noise and anti-social behaviour.

Barry Johnstone, of Torrington Drive said: “There's no guarantee on behaviour when these people leave the pub bearing in mind the close proximity to residents. There are people adjacent who are elderly, or who have young families. Can you guarantee there'll be no noise?”

Mr Grimsey said: “I've never worked for a licensee who could guarantee there'd be no noise. I'd just ask you to look at the licence. People won't be talking loudly because there is no loud music. There's lots of reasons.”

Loughton Residents Association chairman David Linnell said: “There are houses virtually opposite in Torrington Drive. Anyone leaving that car park has to drive into Torrington Drive or into The Broadway.

“The Broadway itself is a residential area- there are flats above the shops. We're talking about potential disturbance until 5am with people walking home or driving off.”

Mr Grimsey said: “You can never guarantee there will be no noise at all but we believe there will be a controlled environment where it will be kept to a minimum.”

Speaking after the decision Mr Johnstone said: “I just feel sorry for the people opposite.”

Mr Kounnis said he was “reasonably happy” with the compromise time and would not be appealing against it.