Hawick Indian restaurant wins bid to sell booze despite objections from neighbours

Punjabi Grill owner Raj Kumar had his bid for a provisional booze licence given the thumbs-up by Scottish Borders Council’s licensing board last Friday, September 18.

However, because that licence technically allows Mr Kumar to sell alcohol earlier and later than his current hours of operation, it sparked two objections from neighbours erroneously believing he was planning to extend his opening hours.

Both objectors had their names redacted in a report presented to councillors, but one said: “The main issues at present are the smells of curry and spices entering our garden and rubbish.

“The property has one way in and one way out, which is under our bedroom and living room window, in very close proximity.

“This, we feel, would increase the noise from customers entering and leaving and also issues with customers and staff smoking under our window, causing noise, pollution and rubbish such as cigarette ends.

“There may be an issue with customers accessing our close and causing noise and litter and possibly urinating due to alcohol problems as well as vomiting. This could be an issue on the main street too.

“We already have an issue with rubbish being deposited on communal stairs leading to his bin. This is a safety issue as well as causing possible problems with rats.”

The other wrote: “We aren’t trying to stop business, but we are worried we are going to have more issues to deal with.

“Our main concern is if they serve food later, we are going to get customers fuelled with alcohol and we are going to get all the noise of them leaving late on.”

There were no objections from Police Scotland or licensing officers, however, and a previous objection from environmental health officers raising concerns over extended opening hours was withdrawn after Mr Kumar confirmed his Indian restaurant’s opening hours would be staying the same. 

Appearing before the board via video-link, Mr Kumar said: “It’s extremely hard within the hospitality industry at the moment, but what we are doing is providing a great service for our customers.

“We wish to provide a complete service for our customers which includes serving drinks with meals.”

When asked to explain the objections from neighbours, particularly relating to smoking and cigarette butts being left outside the premises, Mr Kumar said: “As soon as that was highlighted, I held a team talk with all my staff members and ensured they were provided with ample waste bins to dispose of cigarette butts. 

“We are a non-smoking premises, but we do understand that people do smoke and we have provided them with all the facilities to ensure that health and safety and cleanliness standards are of paramount importance to us.”

Kelso councillor Tom Weatherston said: “I think it’s significant that none of the major consultees on the list – police, licensing and environmental health – have any concerns.

“This is a very standard restaurant-type application.

“I have read the objections, and some of the objections are about things that have nothing to do with us. 

“As far as the alcohol licence is concerned, I think this is very standard and I’m happy to approve.”

Other councillors agreed unanimously and voted to approve the application.

The Punjabi Grill opened in July, almost two years after being granted planning permission, in a unit formerly occupied by the retail chain Farmfoods and later Alchemy Film and Arts.