'We're not a rowdy nuisance - we're just a cheese shop'

Owners of a cheese shop have said their business "isn't a space for creating a rowdy nuisance" after people complained it could be part of a "menacing" atmosphere.

The Cheese Cellar in Liverpool, which is relocating from Garston to Allerton, had applied to serve alcohol up to 22:00 at its new premises on Allerton Road.

The move prompted concerns from one objector who said the application was "a gimmick for another bar to open – but sell cheese".

Business owners Michelle Hunt and Lynne Murphy told Liverpool City Council's licensing and gambling sub-committee the business was run primarily as a cheese shop and deli and attracted a "respectful mix of people". The licence was granted.

In a statement to the council, the objector said they were against The Cheese Cellar's plans for Allerton because "the area is awash with bars, bistros and pubs that attract the youth".

"We have a wine shop which already does cheese and wine evenings," they said.

They said the new venture could be part of a "rowdy and menacing" atmosphere in the area, where they said they had witnessed "shouting, fighting and annoyance".

Hunt and Murphy told the council's sub-committee they were "passionate" about the venture and their venue was aimed at those stopping by for "an hour or two".

They said the venue would feature background music and was generally a place where patrons would spend "an hour or two" with a cheeseboard and "a couple of glasses of wine".

They explained how they only operated up until 22:00 on Friday and Saturday at their previous premises and intended to carry on at the new location.

"It's a 30s to 40s customer base, it's a respectful mix of people, not kids bouncing off the walls," Murphy said.

"We live in a community where it means a lot to us to be part of it and welcome the community into our shop."

The application was granted unanimously and the business is due to open next month.

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