AN ambitious scheme to bring continental-style cafe life to Bolton town centre has hit a setback

Magistrates have turned down an application for a general alcohol licence for a Spanish restaurant La Tasca, due to open on Bradshawgate.

They have approved a restaurant licence, but it will mean La Tasca will have to change its style from establishments already operating in Manchester city centre and Didsbury.

In Bolton, customers will not be served alcohol unless they have a meal.

In the other two La Tasca bars, early evening customers call in for just a drink or Tapas, Spanish-style snacks.

Mr Neil Gatt, managing director, said: "The council is trying to create an evening economy in Bolton, but the magistrates are just not allowing it to happen.

"They just did not seem to understand what we are trying to do. We were being judged by the standards of pubs selling beer at 85p a pint."

The restaurant is due to open in the summer. But now Mr Gatt is planning to appeal to the Crown Court against the magistrates' decision.

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