A County Durham town centre establishment's application to extend trading hours and serve alcohol until 2am has received approval.
Extended Hours Approved
The Turf Bar on Front Street, Consett, sought to vary its licence and prolong its operating hours in preparation for a bustling summer season.
The submission requested permission to sell alcohol, provide entertainment and offer late-night refreshments until 1am on Thursdays and until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. Trading hours will similarly be extended to align with these times.
Police Conditions Accepted
Licensing stipulations put forward by Durham Constabulary to support the prolonged hours have been accepted by the applicant.
This follows the establishment's acceptance of a police recommendation requiring a minimum of two registered door supervisors to be present from 9pm until closure on Fridays, Saturdays and bank holiday Sundays.
The suggested stipulation also prohibits patrons from entering via the rear door after 11.30pm, mandating that all guests must use the front entrance.
Earlier Objections Resolved
An earlier objection lodged with licensing officers by the police stated the conditions were "not adequate" to satisfy the licensing objectives, though the force remained open to discussions.
Representatives for the licence holder, Trust Inns Limited, contended that the police suggestion is overly restrictive and might prevent the business from operating if door staff cannot be secured at short notice.
In documents presented to the council, licensing specialists John Gaunt & Partners stated that operating beyond 1am would necessitate forward planning and couldn't be determined on the evening itself. They stated: "Door supervisor deployment requires planning and cannot be arranged without proper notice.
"If the premises cannot deploy the [door staff] as required by the condition by 11pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday preceding a bank holiday, the premises will not be able to trade."
Alternative Condition Proposed
The company explained the establishment had put forward an alternative condition stipulating door staff must be present from 11pm whenever the premises planned to remain open beyond 1am.
In their submission, they noted that door supervisors were anticipated to work consistently during peak weekend periods, though quieter spells, such as January evenings, might result in earlier closing times owing to reduced custom.
A previously arranged licensing committee meeting to address the unresolved matters was called off.
