A popular Merseyside bar has had its bid for longer opening hours accepted, despite concerns about noise and anti-social behaviour.
Marine Street Social, in New Brighton, Wirral, will be able to open for half an hour longer, once the 10pm curfew ends, after Wirral Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee approved the bar’s plans.
Representing the applicant Rob Casson, Karl Barry said the bar, famed for its street food and music, had been badly affected by the pandemic and allowing it to open later in the future would support its long-term viability.
Marine Street Social is now licensed to serve alcohol between 8am and 11.30pm from Sunday to Thursday and 8am until 2am on Friday and Saturday, with the bar closing half an hour afterwards.
The New Brighton bar will be allowed to remain open until 8am on New Year’s Day. It can also open slightly earlier than usual at 7am for the three days of The Grand National meeting at Aintree.
The application did not pass without contention, as managers from the nearby Travelodge said their customers had complained of excessive noise from customers on the roof terrace and those sitting outside late into the night.
Find out how many coronavirus cases there are in your area by adding your postcode below
Jackie Smith, a resident who lives nearby, had similar concerns relating to noise and anti-social behaviour.
However, Mr Barry said more door supervisors had been appointed at the premises to help deal with the noise issue and that after speaking to Travelodge the applicant had installed soundproofing to limit the amount of noise escaping from the bar.
Crucially, the applicant was prepared to not allow customers to use chairs and tables outside the premises beyond 9pm and he agreed to take steps to prevent customers gathering outside the bar in the area adjacent to the Travelodge.
Due to this commitment, and other assurances given to residents and managers of the Travelodge by the applicant, the sub-committee decided to approve Marine Street Social’s application.
