Owner of Hartlepool's The Open Jar restaurant plans new micropub for former shop at Seaton Carew

A licensing application has been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council from Joseph Franks to open a 30-seater microbar at the Elizabeth Way Shopping Parade.

Mr Franks owns The Open Jar restaurant on Hartlepool Marina, although work is well underway on moving to the larger former Sheesh Mahal site, also in Seaton Carew.

The proposed new microbar would open at the empty premises which was previously home to the Abby Foods and Wine store in Elizabeth Way.

In his application, Mr Franks said the new venue would offer bottle and draught options of alcohol and soft drinks, and would play some recorded music.

He also pledged to take numerous steps to ensure the venue would comply with all licensing objectives, adding he has had no issues at his other venues in the town.

In his application, Mr Franks said: “We will operate as a licensed micro-bar and will maintain high standards of delivery as achieved in our other town venues.

“We are committed to ensuring and maintaining high standards of delivery and as such we will work within the legislation of licensing and wider regulation and policies to ensure we at all times seek to successfully prevent crime and disorder linked to our premises.

“[We will ensure] public safety of patrons and the wider population that will access the Elizabeth Way micro-bar site, work 100% to avoid public nuisance and have staff who are aware of the need to protect children from harm within this bar.

“We will maintain high standards as is the case with our restaurants and we request patrons respect noise levels in relation to neighbours.”

The application states they want to be able to open from noon to 11pm Sunday to Thursday, and stay open to 11.30pm on Fridays and midnight on Saturdays.

They are looking to gain permission to play recorded music and provide late night refreshment and alcohol throughout the opening times stated

The application notes the venue will have a strict challenge 21 policy, and they will not sell alcohol to anyone heavily inebriated, with staff to ensure those visiting leave quietly.

It adds the venue would continue to meet the stringent health and safety requirements in place due to Covid-19, with staff wearing masks and visors.

A soundproofing scheme would also be developed for the site, the application states.

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