Licence granted for Victoria Bar and Grill in Diss by South Norfolk Council

A late-night bar is set to open in a Norfolk town despite pushback from worried neighbours.

South Norfolk Council has granted a premises licence for Victoria Bar and Grill to operate in Diss.

The application has been controversial among residents of the town, with many lodging official objections with the authority citing fears about loud music, drunken customers and vandalism.

Despite this, the business has been given permission to serve alcohol and open late into the evening at a venue in Victoria Road.

The applicant, Ana Vilvelevici, sought a premises licence for the business, which will also require planning permission before it can open.

Locals raised concerns about Ms Vilvelevici’s hopes to keep the bar open as late as 2am some nights.

Rose Dove-Page and Sarah Dove-Page, who live in near the site, told the council: “The hours requested for this licence are incredibly selfish and unthinkable for us to have to put up with.

“It could cause much increased anxiety, stress and tiredness to anyone within hearing distance, including ourselves.

“The reason we moved to this end of Diss was to be away from the potential noise from any late night and drinking establishments – our happiness and property value is now at risk.”

Jason Douglas, who also lives locally, said in his objection: “These hours are likely to result in increased noise levels, which will disturb the peace and quiet of the residential area surrounding the venue.

“The noise from patrons leaving the premises, as well as from music played inside, will significantly impact the quality of life for nearby residents, especially during late-night hours.”

Following a recent meeting of South Norfolk Council’s licensing committee, members agreed to grant the premises licence with reduced opening hours.

This means the business can open until 11pm Sunday to Thursday and until midnight on Saturdays.