Folkestone Herald 17 July 1992.

Local News.

Police are cracking down on landlords who want to serve drinks until the early hours of the morning.

Courtney's Wine Bar, in Tontine Street, was refused a special hours certificate to serve alcohol until 2 a.m. because police thought the building was unsuitable and people leaving the bar would annoy neighbours.

Inspector Ashley Clark, of Shepway police, said “In the light of a number of complaints received from people living in the area, particularly in Tontine Street, we are scrutinising any further applications for late licences. We have a clear duty to prevent drunkenness and disorder. It is not acceptable for alcohol to be dispensed in such a manner that drunkenness is the result. They then go onto the pavement for the public to put up with and the police to deal with”.

But Courtney's Wine Bar owner Gary Staniforth says he needs the late licence to compete with other bars in the street. Mr. Staniforth said “There are still four or five places in the area which have the licence. Just because mistakes have been made by other landlords they seem to be taking it out on all of us. I feel a bit bitter that we weren't given a chance”.