A Scarborough nightclub’s bid to extend its opening hours until 3am has been slammed over concerns of “foul-mouthed customers swearing and shouting” ahead of a crunch meeting next week.
Fusion, near Scarborough town centre, could be permitted to extend its opening hours until 3am on Friday and Saturday at a meeting next week despite concerns from neighbours.
North Yorkshire Council’s environmental health team had raised concerns about public nuisance, but after the applicant submitted a noise assessment report, officers have said the scheme could be given the green light subject to strict conditions.
JPH Venues Ltd wants the bar at 94-100 St Thomas Street to be able to sell alcohol past 2am.
At the moment, the business can sell alcohol until midnight and until 1am on Saturday.
The playing of recorded music could also be extended as part of the application and would match the new proposed opening hours, if the application is approved.
Two separate complaints from neighbours were investigated by the council in January and May this year, and a joint site visit was conducted by the council’s environmental protection team, licensing officers, and North Yorkshire Police’s licensing unit in January.
94 100 St Thomas Street, Scarborough. Google Maps
In a fresh objection submitted following last month’s adjournment, a neighbouring resident said “foul-mouthed customers swearing and shouting after leaving” and music noise had “made my life miserable”.
However, a new report by the council’s environmental health team has concluded that if appropriate mitigation measures are implemented, they would address the council’s concerns “in relation to the prevention of public nuisance”.
A council officer has recommended that, before Fusion is allowed to operate beyond its current licensed hours, the venue must submit a Noise Management Plan for approval by the council and install a professionally calibrated noise-limiting device to control amplified music.
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The officer has also proposed requiring the venue to install a double-door acoustic lobby with self-closing doors to reduce noise escape, while all doors and windows would have to remain shut during regulated entertainment except for access and egress.
Other proposed conditions include the installation of a colour CCTV system, a requirement to have at least two security door staff on Fridays, at weekends and bank holidays, as well as participation in local crime reduction initiatives.
When the licensing committee meets on October 20, it can approve, reject, or modify the proposed application and members of the public are invited to attend the meeting at Scarborough Town Hall.