A kebab van operating in a busy nightlife area of Bath has failed in its attempt to extend trading hours, due to objections from a nearby hotel concerned about noise affecting its guests.
Jimmy’s Kebab, located on Bog Island, had applied to extend its current closing time from 3am to 3.40am. The aim was to accommodate more customers leaving the local pubs and nightclubs late at night. However, the license application was rejected following complaints from the Abbey Hotel, situated just 25 metres away, which stated that noise from customers of the kebab van was disturbing their guests.
This marks the third occasion that Mehmet Yilmaz, owner of Jimmy’s Kebab, has sought to lengthen the operating hours, but has been turned down by Bath and North East Somerset Council. At a hearing before the council’s licensing subcommittee, Mr Yilmaz was represented by licensing consultant Bill Donne, who argued that the extension would not result in increased public nuisance.
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“This is not going to lead to an increase in public nuisance,” Mr Donne stated, emphasising that Bog Island is a recognised “night time hub” for Bath, surrounded by late-opening pubs, bars, and nightclubs including the Labyrinth.
He added that people tend to linger late at night awaiting taxis, and having the kebab van open could actually help reduce disturbances, as patrons typically are quieter while eating. Furthermore, the area is monitored by the van’s CCTV.
Mr Donne also pointed out that there had been no formal objections from the police or environmental health departments, and a recent inspection by licensing officers had found the kebab van operating appropriately.
However, Kamal Rajendra, general manager of the Abbey Hotel, expressed concerns: “In our experience, the pitch acts as a magnet for people leaving neighbouring nightclubs.”
He explained that the hotel had to relocate 30 to 40 guests from rooms at the front of the building due to noise disturbances attributed to the kebab van’s customers. The hotel’s recent expansion means more guests are now affected, increasing the impact the extended hours could have on their stay.
“The longer that Jimmy’s Kebab is able to trade, the greater the impact is likely to be on our guests,” Mr Rajendra warned.
Taking these concerns into account, the licensing subcommittee decided to refuse the application, citing potential negative effects on local residents and businesses.
Reflecting on the decision, Mr Donne expressed disappointment, saying, “The councillors gave too much weight to speculation rather than hard evidence.”