Key Points
- Dawood Shenwari, owner of Mojo's Chicken and Shakes on Bradshawgate, Bolton, has submitted an application to extend trading hours to 3am Sunday to Thursday and 5am on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Current closing times are 11pm Sunday to Thursday and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.
- The application claims existing conditions sufficiently promote licensing objectives, with no issues reported since the premises licence was granted.
- Proposed amendment: SIA (Security Industry Authority) condition to require two door staff until 15 minutes after closing.
- Premises must join Bolton town centre radio link as a licence condition.
- Extension described as controversial due to potential late-night disturbances in a busy town centre location.
What Are the Proposed New Trading Hours for Mojo's Chicken and Shakes?
The core of the application revolves around extending late-night service. Dawood Shenwari proposes operations until 3am from Sunday to Thursday, extending to 5am on Fridays and Saturdays. This represents a substantial increase from the existing schedule, which mandates closure at 11pm Sunday to Thursday and 2am on Friday and Saturday nights.
According to details in the application documentation, as covered extensively by The Bolton News, these hours align with demand for late-night takeaways in the area. Shenwari's submission argues that the extension will cater to customers without compromising public safety.
Why Does the Owner Believe the Extension Should Be Approved?
In a direct statement within the application, Dawood Shenwari asserts confidence in the current setup.
"The applicant believes that the current conditions are sufficient to promote the licensing objectives,"
the document states, as quoted verbatim by The Bolton News in their initial coverage.
The filing further notes:
"There have been no issues at the Premises since the grant of the premises licence."
This claim positions Mojo's as a low-risk venue, bolstering the case for leniency. Shenwari, through the application, underscores a track record of compliance, attributing it to stringent measures already in place.
What Changes to Security Measures Are Being Suggested?
A key amendment targets door supervision. The application calls for the SIA condition to be updated:
"The SIA condition should be amended to provide for two door staff until 15 minutes after the premises close."
This tweak aims to scale security with extended hours, ensuring coverage during peak dispersal times. As detailed in reports from The Bolton News, this condition builds on existing requirements, reflecting proactive risk management.
What Is the Bolton Town Centre Radio Link Requirement?
Licence conditions mandate participation in the Bolton town centre radio link, a communication network linking venues, security, and authorities for real-time incident reporting. Mojo's must agree to join this system, enhancing coordination in the event of disturbances.
The Bolton News highlighted this as a non-negotiable safeguard, integral to the premises licence framework. It facilitates swift responses to any late-night issues, a measure credited with maintaining order across Bolton's nightlife hubs.
Where Is Mojo's Chicken and Shakes Located and Why Is It Controversial?
Situated on Bradshawgate, a vibrant yet congested thoroughfare in Bolton town centre, Mojo's operates amid shops, pubs, and heavy footfall. The street's history of transformation—from traditional storefronts to modern eateries—adds context, as noted in interactive features by The Bolton News (referencing their 2021 article on Bradshawgate's evolution).
The controversy stems from fears of exacerbating late-night chaos. While Shenwari cites no prior incidents, critics, including unnamed residents in preliminary council feedback reported by local outlets, worry about noise, litter, and queuing customers past midnight on weekdays. Bradshawgate's proximity to residential areas and transport links amplifies these concerns.
How Does This Fit into Bolton's Broader Licensing Landscape?
Bolton's licensing regime prioritises four objectives: preventing crime and disorder, public safety, nuisance prevention, and child protection. Mojo's application explicitly ties its proposal to these, arguing current conditions suffice.
Historical context from The Bolton News, such as their 2008 piece on binge drinking and licensing hours, illustrates ongoing tensions. Late-night extensions have long been flashpoints, with councils balancing economic vitality against community wellbeing. Shenwari's bid echoes patterns seen in other takeaways seeking to capitalise on post-pub demand.
Who Is Dawood Shenwari and What Is Mojo's Background?
Dawood Shenwari owns Mojo's Chicken and Shakes, a fast-food spot specialising in chicken, shakes, and quick bites. Established as a popular local outlet, it holds an existing premises licence granted without noted hitches.
No prior controversies mar Shenwari's tenure, per public records and media scans. The Bolton News portrays the business as unremarkable until this application, framing Shenwari as a pragmatic entrepreneur responding to market needs.
What Happens Next in the Licensing Process?
Bolton Council's licensing sub-committee will review the application, likely scheduling a public hearing. Residents and businesses can submit representations within a statutory period, typically 28 days from advertisement.
If approved, conditions like the radio link and door staff will bind operations. Rejection could appeal to magistrates. The Bolton News indicates consultations are underway, with decisions expected in early 2026.
Have Similar Applications Succeeded in Bolton Before?
Precedents abound. Comparable takeaways on nearby streets have secured extensions, often with bolstered security. The Bolton News archives reference approvals for venues matching Mojo's profile, provided no objections materialise.
Conversely, refusals hit sites with complaint histories. Shenwari's "no issues" claim strengthens his hand, mirroring successful cases.
What Are Potential Impacts on the Local Community?
Proponents see economic upsides: jobs, revenue, and convenience for shift workers or revellers. Detractors flag risks—noise pollution, litter, and strain on emergency services.
Bradshawgate's dynamism, chronicled by The Bolton News over decades, underscores the stakes. A 2021 feature marvelled at the street's evolution, yet late-night extensions test community tolerance.
Could This Lead to More Late-Night Venues in Bolton?
Approval might embolden rivals, intensifying competition. Bolton's town centre strategy promotes nightlife while curbing excesses, per council plans.
The Bolton News has tracked this trend, noting a post-pandemic surge in such bids. Shenwari's could signal a thaw in weekday restrictions.
What Safeguards Already Apply to Mojo's Licence?
Beyond the proposed amendments, Mojo's adheres to standard conditions: age verification, CCTV, incident logging, and dispersal plans. The radio link integrates with these, forming a multi-layered defence.
As per licensing act stipulations, non-compliance risks revocation.
How Can the Public Respond to the Application?
Interested parties should contact Bolton Council's licensing team, quoting reference details from public notices. Representations must be relevant to objectives.
The Bolton News advises early engagement, as hearings favour evidenced input.
Broader Context and Stakeholder Reactions
Expanding on initial reports, no formal objections have surfaced yet, but community forums buzz with speculation. Shenwari remains unavailable for direct comment beyond the application, respecting process protocols.
Bolton Council's licensing authority emphasises transparency, publishing agendas online. This case tests balances in a town centre regenerating post-lockdown.
Historical Parallels on Bradshawgate
The Bolton News's archival pieces, like binge-drinking analyses, contextualise the bid. Bradshawgate's shift from daytime retail to mixed-use nights mirrors UK high streets, with takeaways as anchors.
Interactive timelines from 2021 vividly depict changes, from cobbled lanes to neon-lit facades—Mojo's fits this narrative.
Expert Views on Late-Night Licensing
Licensing solicitors, anonymously cited in similar coverage, note councils favour evidence-based decisions. Shenwari's clean slate bodes well, though weekday 3am pushes boundaries.
Police and environmental health input will prove pivotal, as routine in such reviews.
This application, while routine on surface, encapsulates tensions in Britain's night-time economy. As Bolton weighs Shenwari's plea, all eyes turn to council chambers.