Nick Spicer and Clare Rich, of The Globe, in Newland Road, had applied to Worthing Borough Council for permission for customers to drink and smoke on a new patio area in the rear courtyard.

They also wanted a licence for outside tables at the front and side to be used by drinkers.

Rejection

But after considering the application at Worthing Town Hall on Thursday, the licensing and control committee rejected the plans.

Nick said: "We're really disappointed. We've only been here since November but it is definitely going to affect if we can stay here if we can't work something out.

"Obviously, when it's hot and sunny outside, people don't want to sit inside to drink. And as we can't offer them a seat outside, then they sometimes go elsewhere."

The opposers to the application were D.W. Hopkins and L.V. Solomon, who live next-door. In a letter to licensing officer Simon Jones, they said they were concerned smoke pollution from the patio area would enter their rear bedroom.

Noise disturbance

They also believed if the plan went ahead, it would result "in increased noise disturbance which we feel would be totally unacceptable".

Nick said: "It feels like one person is spoiling it for 100 others – all our regular customers who want to enjoy a quiet drink outside. It's become a struggle to survive now."

He added: "We're not a rowdy place and I don't think having a small patio area would make that much difference to our neighbours."

Mr Jones told the Herald: "The committee carefully weighed the interest of the applicant, having particular regard to the licensing objective to prevent undesirable public nuisance."

He said the fact that objections came from the next-door neighbour had been a factor in the decision.

The Globe owners plan to appeal.

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