A restaurant which has been closed for several years could re-open, but only if a licensing wrangle with Northampton Borough Council is dealt with first.
Businessman Sunny Kooner is in the process of buying the former White Orchid Thai restaurant, in Bridge Street, Northampton.
But he is appealing against a ruling made by the council to limit the licensing hours of the outdoor courtyard area to 9pm. The restriction was imposed when previous owners ran the restaurant.
The results of the appeal will not be known for four months, by which time Mr Kooner said his purchase might no longer be viable.
Mr Kooner told a hearing at Northampton Magistrates’ Court that longer licensing hours were crucial to his business case.
He said: “I’m a prospective new owner trying to get finance for buying the building, but I don’t think it would be financially viable if I have to wait until February. I would get 30 to 40 per cent of my margins through the beer garden.
“My costs are racking up by tens of thousands of pounds.”
The appeal hearing was adjourned to February 19 next year and is expected to last for a day.
Magistrates recommended Mr Kooner and Northampton Borough Council’s solicitor speak outside the court to try to bring the hearing date forward.
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