A WELLS pub could be allowed to serve alcohol until 1am when the city’s carnival passes through on November 15.

The landlord of The Quarter Jack on Priory Road has applied for a temporary licence, allowing his patrons to drink outside the main pub until the carnival procession has finished.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary has objected to the change, describing it as “excessive” and saying not enough information has been provided.

Mendip District Council will decide on Friday afternoon (October 25) whether to allow the pub to extend its hours.

The Quarter Jack – part of the JD Wetherspoon’s chain – is currently open daily from 8am to midnight, with an extension until 12:30am on Fridays and Saturdays.

There are, however, restrictions on how late alcohol can be consumed either on the front patio area or in the rear beer garden.

Current licensee William Flood has applied to the council to temporarily extend his licence on the night of the Wells Carnival, making three main changes:

  • Allowing people to drink on the front patio until 10:30pm or until the end of the carnival procession, “whichever comes first”
  • Allowing people to drink in the rear beer garden until midnight
  • Allowing the entire premises to remain open until 1am

Mr Flood said plastic containers would be provided to allow drinks to be taken off the premises if people wish during this time.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary has objected to the proposed extension, saying it had a number of unanswered questions about how the public will be kept safe.

Nicola King, the police’s area licensing practitioner, said: “There is no information given as to how this outside area will be controlled.

“How will alcohol be sold? Will there be a bar outside? Where will food be available and to what time?

“We will not support alcohol being removed from the premise in open containers and believe this in itself will undermine the licensing objectives, especially the protection of children from harm and the prevention of crime and disorder.”

The council’s licensing sub-committee will consider the matter at its Shepton Mallet headquarters on Friday (October 25) from 12 noon.

The public are welcome to attend.