‘Very hard’ for bar to make money as council stops it opening past midnight
Crib in the Bedford Place neighbourhood was unsuccessful in its attempt to extend trading hours beyond the current closing time of midnight.
Applicant Sharan Snober expressed confusion over the restriction, stating she did not understand why other neighbouring venues could remain open until 3am or 4am, while Crib had to close earlier.
During the city council’s planning and rights of way panel meeting, members heard that the local authority maintains a strict policy regarding operating hours in designated areas such as Bedford Place. Nearby premises that operate until between midnight and 3am either have planning permissions without hour restrictions that pre-date the current policy or have established lawful use over time.
Speaking at the meeting on Tuesday, September 23, Ms. Snober explained that Crib already holds a premises licence allowing it to operate until 2am with additional security measures in place. She added:
“Since Covid, people don’t come out any earlier, so as a business I don’t make any money. By the time people do come out at 10:30pm, 11pm, I have to tell them to leave by midnight. To turn over the business and make money is very hard at the moment. What I am trying to do is just get those extra hours to help try and make a profit from the business.”
Environmental Health raised no objections related to noise, and Police Licensing had no issues with the proposed extended hours.
Panel member Cllr Rob Harwood voiced his support for later trading hours in the area, saying:
“I do not understand why a premises would not be allowed to operate until 2am in this part of the city. This is a great location for an extended nighttime economy because it’s already established.”
However, planning officers cautioned that approving Crib’s application would set a precedent that goes against the existing established planning policy.
Panel chair Cllr Vivienne Windle emphasized the importance of adhering to the current policy, stating:
“My view is that we work with the plan that we have now, with the zones that we have now, rather than set a precedent piecemeal. We are in the process of adopting a new plan, and that plan may very well make different zoning decisions based on the need for improving business.”
Ultimately, the panel voted to reject the application in line with officer recommendations. The proposal had been brought before councillors after receiving five or more letters of support.
https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/25499834.southampton-bar-finding-hard-make-money-council-rules/?ref=rss
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