ALTON has a new town-centre night-time drinking spot after The Twisted Teacup was given the go ahead to sell alcohol.

The bistro and emporium housed in the historic former Alton Herald offices in Market Square will now host jazz and blues music and sell alcohol to be consumed inside and outside.

After East Hampshire District Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee heard concerns from residents living close to the building, some trading restrictions were agreed.

Twisted Teacup owner Eve Connor, who spoke of her plans at the online meeting, was happy to strike a balance between offering drinkers a fun venue, while ensuring some residents’ fears were addressed.

One couple who live close to the Market Square building said they were concerned about noise as their home was Grade II listed so were unable to fit double glazing. Cllr Richard Platt said the Square was busy and could be rowdy, and recounted an incident in the summer when fights broke out between drinkers.

Local resident Katie Stickland opposed the application as she said drinkers had urinated on the walls of her home, she had cleared vomit outside her house, and had also cleaned up smashed bottles and glasses.

“If there was a cut-off time of 9pm that would be fine,” she said. “We are already woken at 5.30am when the bins are emptied, and we accept that, but then factor in the noise of people at 11pm or midnight, that would leave us with about five hours of sleep every day. That’s a genuine concern.”

Ms Connor said the music at the venue would be jazz and blues and performed indoors, the windows and doors would remain closed, and younger revellers would be discouraged.

“We see The Twisted Teacup as somewhere for the over-25s. It will be a tapas restaurant with atmospheric music – we do not want it to have a nightclub vibe,” she said.

“Younger drinkers and binge drinkers will be discouraged.

“Yes, we would like people to come in and have a glass of wine without having to have a meal, but they have to have a seat. But it’s a small venue and seating will be restricted.”

The committee agreed the venue could open until midnight from Monday to Saturday, but no drinks can be served after 11pm – and no drinking will be permitted after 9pm in the garden.

It will close at 4pm on Sundays.