Scarborough nightclub ‘delighted’ after councillors back controversial licence extension
A Scarborough nightclub is ‘delighted’ after it was allowed to extend its opening hours despite objections from neighbours.
Fusion, near Scarborough town centre, will be allowed to sell alcohol until 2am despite concerns about antisocial behaviour that had been raised by neighbouring residents and council officers.
The application had attracted objections from nearby residents on St Thomas Street, including one who claimed noise from “foul-mouthed customers swearing and shouting” had made life “miserable”.
However, at a reconvened hearing last week, officers withdrew their objections subject to appropriate mitigation measures being implemented to address the council’s concerns “in relation to the prevention of public nuisance”.
Speaking after the meeting, the venue’s DJ and premises supervisor, Jordan Hookem, said: “We’re delighted with the council’s decision to back the application.
“As a young person starting out on business, it helps when the local authorities want to work with you.”
He added: “We’ve done everything asked and also want to work with local residents and be a good neighbour.”
JPH Venues Ltd was previously allowed to sell alcohol until midnight and until 1am on Saturday.
Rather than granting the wider 3am hours originally sought by the applicant, councillors approved a more limited extension and attached a number of additional conditions to the licence.
Before operating beyond its current authorised hours, Fusion must produce a Noise Management Plan approved by the council’s environmental health department.
A professionally calibrated noise-limiting device must also be installed and protected from unauthorised adjustment.
The venue will also have to install a double-door acoustic lobby fitted with self-closing doors to reduce noise escaping from the premises.
Under the conditions, all internal doors and windows must remain closed during regulated entertainment except for access and egress, while bottle skips cannot be emptied, moved or handled between 11pm and 7am.
Councillors also ruled that accompanied children will only be permitted on the premises until 9pm.
The licensing sub-committee said the conditions were necessary to promote the licensing objectives and reduce the risk of disturbance to nearby residents.