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The owner of a Leicester bar has launched a vigorous defence of the way he runs it and his customers after nearby businesses complained about violence and anti-social behaviour.

Ten businesses have written to Leicester City Council objecting to Spencers' bid to have an outdoor seating area in Silver Street.

They have complained the venue and its clientele are the source of various problems from brawling, swearing and urination to noise disturbance from deafening karaoke and cat-calling of passers by.

They argued his plan to boost trade would exacerbate problems and harm their own businesses.

The complaints have prompted Steven Finch, who has run the venue for the last three years, to write a 5,000 word rebuttal you licencing officials.

He said his neighbours were blaming the bar and its clientele for problems caused by passers-by and were being judgemental.

He said they had made false accusations against Spencers and its regulars.

He said the comments represented hate against the bar.

Mr Finch said: “Ask yourself this, can it really be all bad?

“Would we not have been shut down if we were so terrible?

“From the moment I moved in I have been very open to all the local business knowing I was taking on a big task.

“I asked them all if anybody should have any issues at all to please see me personally.

“I made it clear I would sort out any problems as I want everybody to be successful in the community.

“We are all human, we all make mistakes but I am more than willing to admit that and fix any problems with my business.”

He added: “The customers we attract, especially in the day, almost all of them have a heart of gold and enjoy having a drink in a bar.

“Most are retired and have worked hard all their lives.

“Where is the harm in wanting to enjoy life after work but someone so judgemental would never look at it from another angle.”

poll loading Should Spencers be allowed an outdoor seating area? 2000+ VOTES SO FAR Yes No

Mr Finch said his customers would often help staff at the nearby Action Homelessness premises with their deliveries.

He wrote: “I personally do not want to jeopardise any other business around me by having a street cafe.

“I applied for the licence merely to aid my business in a struggling business world where all business are doing what they can to survive.

“I also agree that we should be enticing people to make the most of the different varieties of cafes, coffee shops, gaming shops, charities and more in and around Silver Street.

“So what is to suggest that seating outside Spencers would not make for a calm and relaxed drinking space which is respected by customers and doesn’t have a detrimental effect on the street?

“Who is to say it would not promote a place which is changing for the better?”

'Judgemental'

He added: “I feel we are being targeted with a stigma that has lived with this place for some years and people are not willing to open their eyes. To a bigger picture.

“Wherever I see a problem I act.

“I do not want to upset or disturb local businesses and I hope we can all move forward and work together to build a better business environment.”

The city council's licensing committee will discuss Mr Finch's application next week.