MEMBERS of a private bar are campaigning to have court restrictions lifted.

Last August, Rochford District Council gave the Smugglers Den, in Hullbridge, permission to allow customers to drink in its private garden, on the banks of the River Crouch.

The council’s licensing committee also allowed the club, in Ferry Road, to keep its windows and doors open until 11pm.

But last week, Southend Magistrates’ Court overturned the council decision.

In a further knockback to the club, the council’s planning committee also refused retrospective planning permission for an outside decking area, where members could gather and drink.

Now, a petition has been signed, by about 200 annoyed members, to get both decisions overturned.

Jackie Parker, co-owner of the bar, said: “Our intention was to get planning permission for a small smoking area in the private garden, which has been declined.

“We wanted to take members away from standing outside the bar.

“Obviously, since the smoking ban came into effect, pubs and clubs up and down the country have had similar problems.

“Without a designated smoking area, where are the people expected to go?”

Mrs Parker, who has owned the club with sister Mandy Edwards since July 2007, said they had paid more than £20,000 in fees for licensing, planning applications, and solicitors’ fees.

She added: “In the short time we have taken over the Smugglers, the money we have paid out on legal fees, and fees to Rochford Council, is unbelievable.

“Everything we do seems to be knocked back all the time. We are back to square one again.

“We will consult a solicitor to see where we should go next.”

The restrictions re-imposed by the court were prompted by objections from neighbours, to what they claimed was noise and disturbance from the club.

Mrs Parker, 47, said the club had tried to build up a relationship with its neighbours.

She said: “It’s such a shame, since this is a family club. Our members are all really nice people, many are OAPs, and have been coming here for many years.

“We want to resolve the issue, so everyone is happy.”

Rochford District Council declined to comment on the issue when contacted by the Echo.