The Boundary Stone pub in Worsley has been granted permission to extend its opening hours, despite neighbours expressing dismay that children living nearby should be protected from 'drunkenness'.
Refurbishment and Licensing Application
The Boundary Stone on Bridgewater Road has undergone a massive refurbishment by its owners Marston PLC. A £470,000 revamp has seen the pub's internal layout transformed, with part of the venue turned into a sports-viewing zone, while another will focus on family-friendly dining.
Speaking at a licensing meeting on October 20, a representative for Marston PLC told the committee the pub was 'going to look fabulous and become the new shiny penny on the street available for everyone to go to'. To capitalise on this change and improve their end-of-night dispersal, the pub requested a license to sell alcohol until 1am, with a 1.30am close on Fridays and Saturdays.
Neighbours' Concerns
Several neighbours attended the meeting to express their dismay at the plans. One local foster parent said: "I do have children within my premises, many of them have already been through a lot. My kids are already affected by the noise in the pub. They have been scared by groups congregating outside it. The local authority has an obligation to protect kids from harm, including an exposure to drunkenness and foul language. How is this extension doing that?"
Another local, Jim Eave, whose house backs onto the pub, added he was concerned the extended hours would result in more noise, more anti-social behaviour, and people staying later, or being diverted from other pubs that close earlier to the Boundary Stone late in the evening.
"However hard he tries, it's going to be very hard to police who is allowed in after eleven and who isn't," he added, arguing groups of drunk adults could cause trouble in the surrounding neighbourhood. Others complained about an already 'raucous atmosphere during football nights', with fears an increased sports focus could exacerbate the issue.
Councillor and Pub Representatives
Boothstown and Ellenbrook councillor Bob Clarke added: "We don't oppose the investment in the venue, we welcome its refurbishment. But we already have issues with people leaving noisily, slamming doors, and cars pulling up into quiet streets. It impacts families, who should not have to keep their windows shut all year's round to enjoy a full night's sleep. People have a right to a decent night's sleep – and I don't see the reason to keep this venue open until that hour."
However, representatives for the pub argued later licensing hours would allow them to better manage dispersal at the end of the night – with customers leaving more gradually over a two-hour period.
Decision
The panel ultimately decided to grant an extension of the licensed hours to sell alcohol half past midnight and close by 1am, each half an hour earlier than the curfews proposed by the pub.
