11:11am Monday 22nd March 2010
By Michael Pickard
Police have objected to plans by a Watford late-night takeaway to open for an extra 45 minutes during three nights in April.
Hertfordshire Constabulary claim the temporary event notice (TEN) application from Express Foods, in The Parade, to open until 3.15am on April 3, 4 and 5 this year could lead to an increase in late-night violent crime.
It is currently allowed to serve customers until 2.30am.
Though the business has recently changed hands, the premises had a TEN application to trade until 4am in September last year rejected by Watford Borough Council's sub-licensing committee as it “would be likely to add to the existing problems of crime and disorder in the area”.
Then in January this year, a further four TENs were again rejected.
Evidence produced by the police at that time stated that since April 2009, Watford town centre had seen a 20.1 per cent increase in violent crime, almost wholly attributable to the 'night-time economy'.
In a statement before a sub-licensing hearing tomorrow (Tuesday), PC Andy Crisp said that since January's hearing, “crime analysis data has shown that violent crime within Watford town centre has continued to increase”.
He said a year on year comparison for January revealed a 90.7 per cent increase in violent crime, while year to date figures shows a 23.36 per cent increase in the town centre (up from 20.1 per cent in January).
The hearing will take place at Watford town hall from 10.30am. For full details, visit the Watford Observer website tomorrow.
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