Sports bar and cocktail lounge moves step closer to opening as licence granted despite "genuine concerns" from residents
A new Waterlooville cocktail lounge has been granted a premises licence despite “genuine concerns” from local residents.
The licence for late night alcohol consumption was accepted after its closing hours were requested to be amended by the police and duly changed by the applicant.
Having initially applied for alcohol to be served at the bar between 8.30am and 2am Sunday to Thursday and 8.30am to 4am on Friday and Saturday. Following a request by the police the finishing time was changed to 3am on Friday and Saturday. The same amendment was made to the playing of both live and recorded music.
Environmental Health also requested conditions be in place to manage noise and prevent public nuisance. This included ensuring that all external windows and doors are closed after 11pm with a noise management plan in place. While this has been agreed by the owners of the bar the requirement for a noise limiter to be installed that distorts or shuts off music when it reaches a certain level has been disputed.
Local residents had raised objections to the application citing concerns over an increase in noise causing “significant disturbance” during late evening and night-time hours. The residents were also concerned it may lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related disturbances in the area.
While the sub-committee acknowledged the “genuine concerns” of the residents it stated it had not been provided with “sufficient evidence” that the application would adversely impact the licensing objectives. This was after the condition had been changed and agreed to by both the police and Environmental Health. As such the sub-committee said it had “little option under the law than to grant the application”.