COUNCILLORS have granted a licence that will allow alcohol to be served at a community hub in Denholme.

At a meeting of the Bradford District Licensing Panel yesterday, members were told that the Mechanics Institute was an important venue for the village and an alcohol licence would allow it to hold a wider range of events.

Lauren Tordoff – who runs functions and events in the building – had applied for a licence to serve alcohol to be consumed in the premises between 5pm and 11pm Monday to Thursday, from 2pm to 11pm on Fridays and from 1pm to 11pm weekends.

Three people had objected to the application, meaning it had to go before a council panel.

Objectors had raised concerns about the sale of alcohol in a building that was used for regular children’s clubs, and over possible noise nuisance from drinkers.

But none of the objectors attended the meeting.

The Mechanics Institute was run by Bradford Council until two years ago, when it was transferred to the DMI Community Centre charity, which took on responsibility for the building through an asset transfer.

Panel members were told that alcohol would not be served while unaccompanied children were in the premises, and the bar area would be covered during children’s clubs and events.

There would also be CCTV installed.

After a short deliberation, the panel voted to grant the licence.

After the meeting, Miss Tordoff said: “The events we have bring more people into Denholme.

“Apart from these objections we’ve never had any complaints.”