Pub chain Wetherspoons hopes to convert the Oxford Street bingo hall into one of its newest pubs. Picture: Chris Davey.

by Adam Williams

Wetherspoon's arrival in Whitstable has moved a step closer after its licence application was approved this week.

The former Oxford Street bingo hall is now set to become the pub chain’s latest acquisition – despite opposition from residents and drinkers fearing a threat to the more established pubs.

But the new venue will have to close earlier than it wished after the city council’s licensing committee voted to limit its late-night opening hours.

Doors will close at 11.30pm from Sunday to Wednesday and at midnight from Thursday to Saturday. JD Wetherspoon had applied to stay open until 12.30am from Sunday to Wednesday and 1.30am from Thursday to Saturday.

Nigel Connor, JD Wetherspoon’s head of licensing and regulatory law, told Tuesday’s hearing at Canterbury’s Guildhall they would be a strong addition to Whitstable.

He said: “We’re intending to preserve the internal character of this great building and we have a proven track-record for doing so with similar structures around the country.

“We estimate £1 million will be spent refurbishing the building, creating 40 jobs, including a management team of five.
“We already have pubs in Faversham, Canterbury and Herne Bay, so we have a strong link with the local community, even though Whitstable is a new area for us."

Conditions were imposed on the pub’s planned rear beer garden, preventing outside drinking beyond 9pm.

No seating will be allowed outside the pub’s front entrance doors. Following representations from St Alphege Infant School, which is opposite the site, smokers will be encouraged to smoke at the rear of the pub, especially during the start and end of the school day.

Planning permission to convert the bingo hall into a licensed premises is yet to be granted.

Have your say on the issue by leaving a comment below or send an email toWhitstablegazette@thekmgroup.co.uk