A BISTRO in on the edge of the Quantock Hills can now serve alcohol to its customers under its new licence.

The Bistro is a family-run business offering breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas located just outside Stogursey.

The business currently operates from 10am to 4pm daily (except on Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and can hold up to 12 evening private functions per year under the original planning permission for the premises, which was secured in June 2023.

Owner Anthony Curtin applied to Somerset Council for a licence to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises, allowing it to supply alcoholic beverages to both its regular customers and at private parties.

Despite objections from Stogursey Parish Council, Somerset Council’s licensing sub-committee west voted to grant the licence as requested when it convened on September 2.

Under the new licence’s terms, alcohol can be served on the premises during its regular opening hours between noon and 4pm.

During the 12 private events which can be held there each year, this can be extended to between 10am and 11.30pm.

Mr Curtin also asked for permission to open his business from noon until midnight on Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and on all bank holiday weekends.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary lodged no formal objection, having agreed a series of conditions with Mr Curtin to which he must adhere.

Stogursey Parish Council, however, did object, arguing it would lead to more traffic on local roads and put pedestrians at risk.

Parish clerk Richard Wand stated in his written submission: “The premises is situated very close to the junction of Stogursey Road with the C182 Hinkley Point Road.

“Movement of vehicles into and out of the premises would add to concerns over public safety and collision reduction in that area.

“There are no footpaths or street lights on either highway, and apart from a very limited community bus service operating during the current opening hours, there is no way for potential customers to arrive other than by motor vehicle.”

Mr Curtin responded: “We are a little bit disappointed with the representation from the parish council. It is based on an ambiguity around our application.

“What we are trying to do is to clarify our existing hours and our 12 permitted private parties per year – we’d like to get those licensed, that’s all.

“We served 22 Sunday lunches (on September 1) and only two customers requested an alcoholic drink – one was a glass of wine, and one was a bottle of beer.

“We’re not permitting a business where people can drive into our establishment, order a drink, and then jump back in their cars and drive off.”

The sub-committee voted that the new licence should be granted with the agreed conditions.

Councillor Marcus Kravis, who chaired the hearing, said: “The applicant had explained that the application for the hours outside of those permitted by the planning consent only apply to the additional 12 private functions per year.

“It was apparent the parish council had misunderstood the terms of the application.”