A LATE-NIGHT licence application for a new restaurant in the Conservation Area has been met with dismay by local residents.

The owners of the Thai Square restaurant, which is planned for the former Tudor Tavern building at the top of George Street, want to stay open until 1.30am on Fridays and Saturdays, which has to be agreed by St Albans District Council's licensing committee.

Earlier this year the company, which owns restaurants around London and in Marlow and Windsor, received approval for alterations to the inside of the historic building.

But residents are up in arms at the firm's request to stay into the early hours, which they say will exacerbate the problems they already endure.

Civic Society member Eric Roberts said he was not against people enjoying themselves, but that such late opening would prove disruptive.

He said: "We know people will drift out into the residential streets. They've had a good time so they will be talking loudly. It's not on at 1.45 in the morning.

"Staying open until 12 is fine, people will clear away by 12.30, but there are kids trying to sleep and people trying to get on with their lives. Putting up notices asking people to leave quietly doesn't work.

"And once the traffic wardens have left, the parking turns into a free-for-all. They will serve take-away food as well so people will be stopping to pick that up.

"Being out for a good time is fine but there needs to be consideration and respect for people living in the city centre."

In their objections to the licensing hours, residents complain about being woken up both by revellers and by staff clearing up. A letter from George Street resident Jonathan Rodwell reads: "We hear the explosive sound of bottles being emptied up until 5am. My family and I experience shouting and screaming up to 5am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays in particular."

James Bracey from Lower Dagnall Street says: "Those leaving pubs and restaurants are noisy and show little regard for the residents in the area. Whilst it may be a consequence of living in the city centre it surely does not mean that this needs to be added to."

A decision on the application is due later today.