Surbiton restaurant owner says longer opening will not increase crime

A restaurant owner has criticised police after they claimed allowing him to stay open longer would increase crime and disorder nearby.

Bevan Hoogewerf, owner of Langley's in Ewell Road, Surbiton, said he could not understand the police's objection. Mr Hoogewerf told Kingston police allowing the restaurant to stay open and sell alcohol from 10am to 1am on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, would instead improve the ‘forgotten’ area of the town. But police said allowing Langley's, which used to be L’Esperance, to open later would increase crime and disorder.

Mr Hoogewerf also wants to play recorded music for diners until midnight from Monday to Wednesday, plus Sunday, and until 1am otherwise. Live music could be performed until 11pm or midnight. More than 200 residents and businesses were consulted by the council, but none responded.

A decision on the plans will be made by councillors at a licensing sub-committee next Tuesday, August 20.

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