PLANS for a barber shop with its own bar – Wiseguys – have been described as "a huge risk to public safety".

Applicant Gavin Davies plans to move his existing barber shop of the same name in Charminster Road to new, larger premises at 545-547 Wimborne Road.

According to a report penned on behalf of Mr Davies by solicitor Philip Day, the shop will include a "small workshop" making leather goods for sale including aprons, belts and wallets, and a "much smaller (middle) room" where alcohol will be sold to customers.

"He proposes to put a sofa in this room, but at the absolute maximum this area will accommodate 10 to 12 persons," said Mr Day.

"It is likely that customers will only remain for a short time and only consume one or two of the very limited range of drinks that will be available."

Mr Davies is seeking a licence to serve booze until 10.30pm, Monday to Saturday.

The application drawn objections from a neighbour Philippa Beale, who stated in a letter: "The implications of serving alcohol up to 10pm at night will create noise pollution that will intrude on my/our home lives."

Ward councillor Patrick Oakley called the plan "a thinly veiled attempt to contrive the sale of alcohol in an inappropriate setting".

In his objection he stated: "The premises is a hairdressers and it is totally inappropriate to serve alcohol where there are people having their hair cut, shampooed and are being shaved.

"Cut throat razors, scissors and electrical equipment will all be within reach of the drinkers without any security, in the same area while alcohol is consumed. This is a huge risk to public safety."

Responding to the criticisms Mr Day, of Laceys Solicitors, states: "We are somewhat surprised at this comment and the tone of the language used but do not think it appropriate to comment beyond saying that the application is nothing of the sort."

He said alcohol sales were anticipated to form "a very small percentage of turnover" and that "the barber shop itself is not included within the licensed area nor will patrons be permitted to drink there".

"It is also the case that there are numerous ladies' hairdressers that provide customers with alcoholic refreshment and those that charge for it have licences that permit the sale and consumption within the salon itself, rather than a separate room as is the case here."

The application will be discussed at a licensing board meeting on Tuesday, March 20, at 9.45am.