Bid to sell alcohol inside barber shop

A barber shop could become one of the first in the East Midlands to give customers the chance to enjoy a pint while they have a haircut.

Mr Paul Mccarroll, who owns McCarroll’s Barbers, on King Street, Southwell, has applied to the licensing officer at Newark and Sherwood District Council for a licence to sell alcohol to customers from noon to 9pm.

The barber shop, which has been in Southwell since 1971, is looking to add a different spin to the usual trim.

Mr Mccarroll said: "It is something I have always wanted to do. The barbers is a sociable place.

"We already have a barista machine so people can have a coffee throughout the day, but this will allow people to have a drink in the evenings while they are getting a shape up before a night out."

If the application is successful, Mr Mccarroll plans to incorporate a full bar into the barber shop with high-back chairs and a range of drinks.

"I was looking at getting a pub a couple of years ago and already have my personal licence to sell alcohol, so I am already halfway there," he said.

The barber shop has a smartphone app for clients to book a slot for a haircut. Mr Mccarroll intends to add a drinks menu so they could choose their selected beverage at the same time.

"I have had the idea for a couple of years and I just thought, I’m going to go for it," he said.

"I have spoken to a few of my customers and they all think it’s a great idea."

Mr Mccarroll plans to stock a range of gins, whiskys and local craft beers, as well as wine and prosecco.

"Fingers crossed the application will be accepted and we can run with it," he said.

A decision is expected by the end of the month.