Councillors have rejected plans to allow a company that specialises in children’s disco parties to serve alcohol and stay open and play music until 1am.
Residents and all three ward councillors objected to Marsh-based Popkidz application to extend the licence at the Westbourne Road venue due to concerns over noise, car parking and nuisance.
Manager Ihjaz Khaliq, who has been running the venture for children aged from four to 16 for four years, said that the company wanted to host family parties, such as christenings and that he was dismayed at the refusal.
Several residents attended the Kirklees Licensing Panel meeting where three members of the committee considered their decision.
The application for the venue, which can hold up to 50 people and hosts around eight parties per week, had proven contentious due to its location in between residential properties, lack of its own car park for users and ability to be hired for all adult parties.
It currently holds parties until 7pm during the week and 10pm at weekends.
Residents were worried that the changes, if allowed, could pave the way to introduce a nightclub further down the line.
Marsh Community Forum chaiman, Mark Davies, said: “Whilst Popkidz have said that they want the licence for family parties how do we know that this won’t change further down the line?”
Others said that they already felt intimidated by the presence of guests outside the building and worried this would increase with a licence extension.
Dewsbury West Clr Mumtaz Hussain highlighted the lack of a smoking area and parking, whilst Denby Dale Clr Jim Dodds questioned how the company would train its staff.
Mr Khan said that they intended that alcohol would only be served for those who had pre-booked parties and that no 18th or 21st birthday parties would be allowed, although adult parties would be .
He also added that around five full time jobs would be created by extending the opening hours and that the other name used for the venue, Club Fusion, was used to entice older children and was not targeted primarily towards adults.
He said: “We have kept in touch with residents and have only had one complaint due to noise when we first started, which we addressed, and intend to have background music rather than loud club music.
“I also don’t believe that parking has been an issue.
“It’s only a small venue and it would just offer people a safer and private alternative or allow people to have a drink whilst watching their child’s party.”
Commenting on the decision, he said: “I did think that we would get the extension and will consider appealing the decision.”
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