PEOPLE power has claimed a landmark victory in Bournemouth after residents scuppered a town centre pub's bid for a late-night drinks licence.

Residents living in flats above the Tapp and Hobbit succeeded where others have failed in persuading councillors to refuse a request for a 2am licence, six days a week.

Although the pub will still be allowed to open until 2am on bank holiday weekends, the residents' partial success is sure to boost others concerned about binge-drinking, noise and anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhoods.

The council's senior licensing officer, Steven Wright, confirmed this was the first instance in Bourne-mouth where residents had objected under the new laws and the application had subsequently not been granted.

He said there were several other hearings in the pipeline, where residents' objections would also be heard.

Daphne Collins, 77, of Bourne Court, said she thought the bank holiday compromise was the best they could have hoped for.

"It was only by chance that we saw the notice and decided to object," she said. "We don't complain a lot, we appreciate that we live in the heart of the town centre and that it's going to be noisy, but the thought of them opening until 2am, six days a week was too much."

But her husband John, also 77, said: "My problem is that they can't control the noise, no matter what conditions they put on them.

"They shouldn't have a licence at all until they reduce the noise to a level we can live with. If they appeal to the magistrates' court, I will go there and make that point."

Town centre ward councillor David Smith said he was "delighted" with the decision. "For once, residents in the town centre are going to be looked after," he said.

"It's a good decision and, if it goes to appeal, I hope the magistrates support the committee's decision."

And fellow ward councillor Bob Chapman said: "I hope this will encourage other residents to object if they feel strongly about proposed licence extensions.

"The government is encouraging people to live in town centres but we've got to have some support and be allowed to say no when needed. I'm really pleased with this decision."

Nobody at the Tapp and Hobbit or their representatives was available for comment.

First published: August 16, 2005