The Hustler pool and snooker club in Newcastle is a step closer to reopening after its owners announced that a premises licence for its new home has been approved. The club closed earlier this year when its building at 1st Hadrian House was slated for demolition.
Closure and Search for New Premises
In February, the club's owners posted an emotional statement on Facebook, saying: "We had hoped this day wouldn't come but with very heavy hearts we announce the closure of our wonderful club. Unable to secure new premises in Newcastle City Centre, where we've been located for nearly 50 years, our building is getting demolished so THE HUSTLER POOL & SNOOKER CLUB as we know it will no longer be here and we are all absolutely GUTTED." They expressed hope that it "wasn't goodbye" and continued searching for a new location.
New Home Found
In June, plans were confirmed to reopen inside what had until recently been the Newcastle Labour Club on Haymarket. That venue had closed in April after less than a year in its new location, with a rent dispute cited as the reason.
Licence Approved
The latest update from the club, shared on social media, read: "We have GREAT NEWS! Eventually, we've got our premises licence APPROVED yaaaaaay. We are so relieved. Just waiting for the change of use to go through then it is all systems go! Thanks for your patience guys, as per, it wasn't as simple as we thought but we will get there in the end guys. We are so HAPPY."
The club's reopening now awaits the change of use approval before it can fully get underway.
