A YOUNG businesswoman is celebrating after a licence for her first venture was granted.

Stephanie Bratby, 21, poured months of hard work into getting Henry’s Coffee and Wine Bar at Skelmanthorpe up and running.

She had feared that her plans to serve alcohol and play music for customers would be scuppered after nearby residents complained.

So she was delighted when yesterday Kirklees Council’s Licensing Panel awarded her a premises licence.

“It’s fantastic news,’’ she said.“Getting this licence was a make or break for us.

“I think it will really benefit the village. We have 10 members of staff working part-time, so we have brought jobs into the area too.”

The Lodge Street bar opened a week ago after a six-month refurbishment.

It had previously been a children’s clothing shop, run by Stephanie’s family, but the business had to close after thousands of pounds worth of valuable stock was stolen.

The family decided to try another venture and student Stephanie spearheaded the transformation.

She is running the business while studying for her law degree and is hoping it will help stand her in good stead for her future.

The interior was transformed into a calm space with leather sofas where customers could relax and enjoy a drink. The bar opened with a temporary events licence while Stephanie and her parents waited for the panel’s decision.

Residents living nearby objected to the business obtaining the licence.

A letter signed by 21 locals listed several complaints, including a lack of parking and the cafe being near a busy main road.

It added: “Having a drinks licence is not appropriate as the cafe is very close to the main road and next door to quiet residential properties.

“We have already had some public order problem with takeaways a few yards away and these can only be compounded by drinking.”

Delia Lockwood, who owns property adjacent to the bar, was concerned about the level of music and other noise at nighttime.

But Stephanie said the feedback from customers had been good and she had gathered over 100 signatures in support of the application.

The panel granted the licence, subject to conditions recommended by Environmental Services. These include frequent sound checks, notices asking patrons to leave quietly and restricting live music to two performers.

Last drinks have to be served half an hour before closing time, which is 5pm Monday to Wednesday, 8pm Thursday, 9pm Friday, 10pm Saturday and 4pm Sunday.

Recorded music can play every day, while live music is permitted between 7pm and 9pm Fridays and 7pm and 10pm Saturdays.