Popular Longton bar appeals for longer opening hours - here's what they want and why

A popular village bar is looking to extend its opening hours - and take on more staff.

Hoptons, which opened in Chapel Lane, Longton, in October, has permission to open from 11am to 11pm Monday to Friday, from 11am to 11.59pm on Saturdays, and from 10.15am to 11pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

This cocktail bar is also looking to change it’s hours

Now, after establishing itself as a key part of the area’s day and night time entertainment scene, bosses are looking to extend the hours. In an application to South Ribble Borough Council, an a spokesman for the bar says: “Having received numerous requests from customers to extend the weekend opening hours of the premises, the operators of Hopton’s wish to build upon the venue's popularity, customer support, and demand within the community by requesting a variation to the permitted opening hours.”

What do they propose?

The owners want to extend the opening hours by 30 minutes on each day. They are also asking for the following date exceptions: 11am to the following 1am on New Years Eve 11am to 12am (midnight) on St Patrick’s Day, St George’s Day and Halloween, Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.

11am to 12am (midnight) on any Thursday or Sunday which precedes a Bank Holiday.

A spokesman said: “In requesting to extend the operating times by 30 minutes the applicants believe this will benefit both staff and customers. Allowing all customers to vacate the premises and disperse by 00.30 at the latest. It should be noted that since opening there has been an absence of incidents or complaints. The applicant has not received any reports logged by the local police or licensing authority. Furthermore, they aim to increase staffing levels with the additional hours, intending to hire two additional local employees.”

The premises are also in the process of receiving approval to amend the licensing hours for the supply of alcohol.