A bacon bap van has been banned from opening up near Sir Bernard Lovell Academy after its headteacher criticised the plan.
Molly’s Baps would have sold bacon rolls, burgers and hot dogs in the car park of the Crown and Horseshoe pub on North Street, a few hundred metres from the secondary school. But South Gloucestershire Council has refused to grant a street trading consent, after fears that teenagers would buy unhealthy food there.
A licensing hearing on July 31 also heard that people living near the pub were worried about noise and smells from the van. The application was to open from 7am and close at 10pm Monday to Thursday, 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 8pm on Sundays.
Headteacher Dr Robin Bassford told the hearing: “We work incredibly hard at Sir Bernard Lovell Academy to develop a healthy approach to eating. We teach children about how to eat healthily, how to look after themselves. Our canteen at schools runs on very strict regulations about the food that they can serve to young people during the school day.
“We have a breakfast offer before the school day, as well as at lunchtime. Our canteen does a great job. If this fast food trailer goes ahead, all of that work will be undermined. No matter what education we put in place, if you put a sweet shop or a fast food trailer a stone’s throw down from the school gates, children will buy food there.”
There was some confusion about what the burger van would be used for. The applicants said they aimed to provide food for customers, to eat inside the pub, and raise some money for a kitchen in the building.
Paul Jouxson, the father of the applicant Molly, said: “The burger van is just to start off so we can raise some funds. At the end of the day we’re trying to put a kitchen in the pub, we’re not really looking to make a takeaway service. We’re not interested in serving the schoolkids, it’s more about serving food in the pub.”
Several members of the public objected to the licensing application, and told councillors about their concerns, which included more general complaints about the pub.
Alderman Colin Cradock said: “Last Saturday the noise levels generated outside and inside the pub, up to 11pm, were horrendous, including live music, children running up and down the concrete steps, and loud voices. This occasion was not unusual, just the worst example to date. This situation can only be exacerbated by the addition of an external food outlet.”
David Levy added: “This public house isn’t a good neighbour. We have a lot of noise and it attracts a clientele which is not the most salubrious. I hear everyday Saturday night what goes on, and it’s verbal abuse, it’s not very pleasant at all.”
Hollie Williams, the pub landlady, said: “I’m trying to rebuild the Crown and Horsehoe’s reputation. All I’m trying to do now, over the next five years and longer, is rebuild this pub. The pub has been here longer than the majority of houses opposite and surrounding. If you don’t like the pub and think it’s an eyesore, you shouldn’t have moved next to a pub.
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service