Cops oppose Britain’s first 24-hour chip shop because it could lead to late-night lawlessness
Police, residents and other local proprietors are worried the Cardiff shop's new hours would increase alcohol-related crime and make the city centre a 'no-go area' at night
COPS are battering plans for Britain’s first 24-hour chippy because it could lead to late-night lawlessness.
Neighbours and beat bobbies say allowing the fish and chip shop to serve up around-the-clock cod and chips could see a rise in anti-social behaviour.
The owners of Parc Lane Fish and Chips in Cardiff city centre have applied for permission to fry up grub non-stop, seven days a week.
Its owners also want to extend their licence to serve alcohol until midnight to help customers wash down their food.
But South Wales Police are formally objecting to the request - with Chief Inspector Joe Jones saying it would cause a rise in alcohol-related crime.
People living near the Welsh capital's city centre also oppose the application, saying an increase in drunk revellers, litter and crime would make it a no-go area.
One objector said: "As a resident of the area, I can no longer avail of the facilities in the area as I cannot walk home alone in the late evenings."
Another said: "I do not wish to see an increase in drunkenness, crime and disorder, noise, litter and general disruption."
Bosses at the nearby Jurys Inn hotel said noise from partygoers was already affecting guests, and a 24-hour chippie would make matters worse. Its objection letter said: "Our clients are extremely concerned that the additional hours sought for the sale of alcohol, the provision of late night refreshment and the provision of regulated entertainment will adversely affect hotel residents staying at Jurys Inn, as well as other persons in the area."
Cardiff Council's licensing committee is due to make a decision.
Parc Lane Fish & Chips is located on Cardiff's Queen Street - one of the city's busiest streets - and is currently open from 11am to 6am.
The National Federation of Fish Friers said the chip shop would be the first in the UK to trade 24/7 if the application is successful - although one opens in Blackpool in the peak summer season.