Many complaints have been submitted from members of the Islamic community Chelmsford, Essex over a gin bar and distillery planned for a building next to a central mosque.
Those complaining have claimed the gin bar will lead to an increased risk of drink-fuelled Islamophobia, attacks.
The concerns raised ahead of a licensing meeting next week to decide the application of a new bar in Moulsham Street come three months after concerns were raised over potential plans to transform a Great Baddow leisure centre into a mosque.
Known formerly as the Farm Shop Café and then later Pause at 13 Moulsham Street, the venue is set to become a bar and shop on the ground floor, a gin distillery on the first floor and a gin school on the second floor.
There will be outdoor pavement seating to both the front and side of the building, with removable seating area barriers.
A planning application submitted to Chelmsford City Council proposes a change of use for the early 19th-century building from a café to a bar, it use to be the home of Dunkin’ Donuts, near where Moulsham Street meets Parkway and Chelmsford High Street.
A licence application has also been submitted to the council for the sale of alcohol on Thursdays from midday until midnight, Friday and Saturdays from midday until 2am and Sundays from midday until 11pm.
However, the plans have sparked many objections from members of the Islamic community who have worshipped at the mosque there for over 40 years.
One anonymous objector wrote: “We believe there will be a huge impact on the safety of those visiting the mosque with anti-social behaviour, a rise in Islamophobia attacks, especially on our elderly.”
Ayman Syed, who has been secretary of the mosque for ten years, said: “We’ve lived peacefully for over 40 years with our surrounding neighbours without a problem.
“We have faced a number of problems with drunks breaking into the mosque and we often have people vomiting outside the mosque or urinating, but the Imam has generally dealt with this as part of his duties even though he shouldn’t have to.
“Worshippers have also dealt with comments to and from the mosque over the years.
“With the bar looking to open next door, this really does increase the risk of potential conflict between worshippers and drinkers.”
He added: “The doors, like a church, are often open for people to come and pray. I can foresee a number of drinkers coming into the mosque by accident considering how easy the mosque is to access.
“The past two years out of safety for the community we have had security guards during Ramadan. We cannot afford to have security guards as a permanent feature outside our mosque
in case a customer outside decided to wander in or others using our area as a toilet or as I say other potential forms or risk.
“I am sure the owners of the gin bar will offer some concessions to allow their application to continue but after the children’s clothes store at 13 Moulsham Street closed eight years ago, this premises has had five changes.
“My concern is that a new bar owner will come and not conform to the rules laid out by the predecessor. No matter how you look at things, there is a risk to children leaving the mosque and the elderly.”
Nikki Mendes who founded the Only Way is Gin says the business will “bring a new gin experience to the vibrant city of Chelmsford” along with a “range of boutique craft gins, with botanicals celebrating its home county and landscape”.
Objections to the bar come after Chelmsford Muslim Society acquired the Hampton Sports and Leisure centre for over £2million, the new owners said the leisure centre will be available for the whole community, however, one of the most contentious issues regarding the proposals for the leisure centre is the closure of the venue’s three bars.
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Editor-in-Chief | Carl D. Pearson has been involved in British politics and media from an early age, with the key knowledge of what it takes to run a news organisation for the 21st century. Mr Pearson, as Editor-in-chief, is responsible for supervising the daily tasks of publishing media and content to UNN’s website and various platforms.
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