Wine bar wins licence battle after fears it would disrupt ‘peace and quiet

A proposed wine bar in Mirfield has had its licence approved despite fears that neighbours would no longer be able to enjoy “peace and quiet” in their own homes.

Earlier this year, The Vinery Limited submitted an application to Kirklees Council to convert what locals referred to as an “old laundrette” into a wine shop and restaurant.

However, the application initially received nine objections, which raised a number of concerns. Some locals explained fears that noise would keep their children awake, with one concerned resident writing: “I have young children, and I am extremely concerned that allowing the sale of alcohol until midnight will inevitably lead to increased noise…

“This will affect my children’s ability to sleep, well-being, and our family’s enjoyment of our home.”

Others feared that more “intoxicated” people on the streets would “increase the likelihood of disorderly conduct, verbal altercations, criminal damage.”

During a Licensing Panel, held earlier today (August 25), Billy Hall – representing the applicant, Rachel Hall – explained that they were not trying to open a “lively bar”, rather a place for the locals of Mirfield to “enjoy a nice glass of wine, some cheeses and walk merrily home.”

Addressing the four areas of concern raised by residents, including anti-social behaviour, Mr Hall explained that there would be only 20 seats available within the bar, with “no standing” space, which would help reduce any noise.

When discussing issues of loitering, Mr Hall also assured that the demographic that would have attracted a laundrette was different to that of the bar.

Addressing the chamber, Mr Hall said: “It’s not a massive bar where people will come flooding in and out…it will be relatively upmarket.”

The assurances were still met with tension; Resident Shaun Fairweather warned that property sat across from the proposed site, and that noise from a neighbouring establishment had already forced him to “close his windows at 11pm.”

Mr Fairweather expressed fears that there would be additional noise if the Vinery were granted a licence, telling the chamber: “I just want the right to a bit of peace and quiet in my own home.”

Following a lengthy discussion, the panel, chaired by Coun Michael Howard, decided to proceed with the license application, reducing the hours for serving alcohol from the proposed 9am-12am to 9am-11.30pm every day.