Decision on new bar in Portsmouth hotel postponed
CONTROVERSIAL plans to open a basement bar in a city hotel have been put on hold.
A decision meeting on a new licence for the Keppel’s Head Hotel in Portsea has been postponed until June 3 at the earliest because of the coronavirus pandemic.
As part of the licence hotel managers have asked to open the bar – to be called Nut Bar – and play live music from 11am until 2am every day.
The proposals had come under fire from neighbours of the hotel, with three placing objections due to concerns about noise.
However, the licensing meeting that was due to take place on April 23 has been pushed back.
A council officer’s recommendation said: ‘As a result of government guidelines in relation to Covid-19 and in accordance with the principles of natural justice your reporting officer recommends that this hearing is adjourned for at least 30 days (to a provisional date of June 3, 2020).
‘This adjournment needs to be reviewed and is subject to further adjournments (if necessary) at 30 day intervals until a suitable date can be secured to determine this application.
‘The applicant and all parties have been informed that an application to adjourn this hearing will be made and the applicant is supportive of this proposal.’
One of the hotel’s managers previously confirmed the Nut Bar will only be used as a private hire room for parties and events, and it has been sound proofed.