‘Don’t blame pubs for lack of public loos’ in Scarborough, council told
A nightclub’s bid to extend its opening hours until 3am has sparked a debate about the availability of public toilets in Scarborough.
Fusion, near Scarborough town centre, wants to extend its opening hours until 3am on Friday and Saturday, as well as 2am from Sunday to Thursday.
Concerns about antisocial behaviour have been raised by neighbouring residents and council officers who have been dealing with complaints since the start of the year.
One objection to the plan raised concerns about public urination; however, locals have also highlighted the absence of toilets in the town centre, which has been a long-running issue for residents and visitors.
One local said there was “a distinct lack of public conveniences these days”, while another added: “Don’t blame this pub for the mismanagement of our council.”
At a meeting of Scarborough Town Council earlier this year, locals warned that a lack of toilet facilities in the town centre could be putting people off visiting the high street and negatively impacting local businesses.
The premises licence application submitted by JPH Venues Ltd would also allow the bar at 94-100 St Thomas Street to sell alcohol past 2am. Currently, the business can sell alcohol until midnight and until 1am on Saturday.
An objection, submitted by a neighbour ahead of a council meeting to decide on the plans next week, states: “There have been fights outside of my house away from Fusion, and people have been pissing in the street.
“There must have been three or four call-outs from the police to Fusion.
“I don’t believe Fusion should have its licenses extended. It is disturbing my health and sleep, and my mental health isn’t great.”
The bar, which opened in November last year, describes itself as a “new intimate late-night venue” on its social media page.
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.
North Yorkshire Council’s licensing sub-committee will discuss the proposals at a meeting on Wednesday, September 16.
Following a negotiation between the licence holder and North Yorkshire Police, additional conditions have been agreed.
The 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.
The licensing committee can approve, reject, or modify the proposed application and members of the public are invited to attend the meeting at Scarborough Town Hall.