Residents living near The Moon Under The Water Wetherspoons on Bath Road, Cheltenham, have expressed significant worries about proposals to extend the pub’s opening hours into the early hours of the morning. The pub chain initially sought permission to sell alcohol until 1am from Sunday to Thursday, and until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. However, following feedback from the local community, the application was reduced to request additional hours only on Wednesdays, which correspond with the town’s student night.
Concerns presented to Cheltenham Borough Council highlighted repeated instances of noisy and aggressive behaviour from customers leaving the venue, often under the influence of alcohol. One local resident described the current licence as “a dreadful blight,” citing frequent encounters with drunken aggression, as well as having to navigate around areas soiled with vomit.
Further objections included reports of customers relieving themselves in and around nearby Sandford Park, as well as vomit frequently found on the grass adjacent to the pub. Neighbours also raised issues relating to anti-social behaviour such as individuals using laser pointers to shine lights into homes, evidence of drug dealing in the car park, and discarded glass and beer containers littering the area near local shops opposite the pub.
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Damage to the neighbouring Italian Gardens was also mentioned, with concerns about graffiti and what was termed “cultural vandalism” by patrons of the pub.
At the licensing sub-committee meeting held at the Municipal Offices, a spokesperson for Wetherspoons acknowledged the community’s concerns and affirmed the company’s efforts to amend their application accordingly. They noted that the manager, in position for four years, is supported by a capable team. The revised application now seeks to extend licensable activities by just one hour on Wednesdays to better manage the dispersal of customers during the busy student night, particularly during events such as freshers’ week.
The representative emphasised that the additional hour would allow for a more gradual and orderly exit of patrons, potentially reducing disturbances outside the premises. They also confirmed a commitment to increasing the frequency and thoroughness of litter picking, as well as deploying a team to help address issues in the Italian Gardens.
Following deliberation, the licensing subcommittee approved the limited extension of opening hours on Wednesdays. Councillors appreciated the pre-meeting discussions and recognised the conditions offered by Wetherspoons, including collaboration with the town’s business improvement district to help mitigate local concerns.