RESIDENTS are celebrating after winning a fight to stop a restaurant in Kendal getting a late licence.

Moe’s Grill, situated in the new K Village shopping centre, had applied for a late alcohol and live entertainment licence to serve customers until midnight.

However, at a special sitting of South Lakeland District Council’s licensing sub-committee, the owners were left disappointed.

After five hours, councillors decided to refuse the permit for both licences. They did, however, award an alcohol licence between 9am and 11pm.

Around 20 residents complained to the committee at last Friday’s meeting about the detrimental effect a late and live music licence would have on their lives.

Complaints included problems with noise and anti-social behaviour from drunken people.

Speaking for Moe’s Grill, Neil Pervis said: “It would not be a night club and the live music would not be rock bands, just Elvis and Frank Sinatra tributes.

“The premises adheres to strict guidelines on noise pollution and we would have a strict policy on not serving drunk people or those under 25.”

Stuart Brownrigg, who runs the Lyndhurst Bed and Breakfast in South Road, told the committee that a live music licence could affect his business.

He said guests had complained about the noise on the opening night of Moe’s Grill, when the business had been granted a temporary licence. He said afterwards: “I’m delighted with the committee’s decision.

“Nobody is against Moe’s Grill thriving, and we all hope it does well, but not at a cost of the happiness of residents and business owners nearby.”

Chris Smith, of West Street, said: “We would have had to move bedrooms if the licence was granted and to be honest it would have been a living hell.”

Delivering the decision, Coun Jo Stephenson said: “We decided not to award the late licence and live music licence because of the adverse affect it would have on residents.”