A grade II listed hotel in Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter faces opposition to plans for late-night alcohol sales, with a councillor warning the area “is not Concert Square” ahead of a city council hearing.
The Philharmonic Hotel, on Hope Street, has applied to the local authority for permission to sell alcohol until as late as 5am. The hotel opened in 2023 and features 17 rooms, including options with jacuzzi baths, suites with a lounge and kitchen, and large family rooms.
Objection from local councillor
Cllr Nathalie Nicholas has objected to the proposals, which are due before Liverpool Council’s licensing and gambling sub-committee next week. According to documents released by the city council, the hotel is seeking permission for late-night refreshment until 5am.
Under terms agreed with Merseyside Police, only hotel residents and their bona fide guests would benefit from all applicable licensable activities 24 hours a day. The business is also seeking permission to play music until 2am, which is when alcohol sales to non-residents would cease.
Concerns over anti-social behaviour
In her objection, Cllr Nicholas said she feared the application could “further increase alcohol associated crime and disorder in the area”. She added: “There is already issues of street drinkers and people using drugs in this area.”
She warned that granting permission for off-premise alcohol sales could lead to people congregating in the area, causing “intimidating and tension in the community”. She said: “This is not Concert Square and therefore should not be granted 24-hour outdoor drinking and will negatively impact this area.”
Background and next steps
When the hotel opened almost three years ago, operators Brian and Shez Blundell said they wanted to “create something that oozes elegance, class and sophistication”. Cllr Nicholas also raised concerns that the alcohol plan could increase parking issues and street urination on Hope Street, noting that Liverpool Council parking services does not have capacity to monitor issues during extended hours.
The application will go before the council’s licensing and gambling sub-committee at Liverpool Town Hall on Wednesday, November 18.
