A LATE licence has been granted to a Morpeth bar, but with strict conditions.
Chambers in Bridge Street will be allowed to open until 2am daily, and to open for 24 hours on New Year’s Eve.
Morpeth Town Council had been concerned about the impact on nearby residents and the lack of detail on the application form.
And an extensive list of conditions has been set.
All amplified speech and music must be inaudible at the nearest noise sensitive premises, the public address system must be fitted with a noise-limiting device approved by Northumberland County Council, and all external windows and doors must be closed when entertainment is taking place, except for entrance and egress.
Customers leaving the premises will be monitored and reminded of their public responsibilities, door staff must manage customers on the pavement outside, CCTV should be in place and a Challenge 21 scheme, to prevent underage drinking, must be implemented.
The town’s Planning and Transport Committee said the conditions must be enforced.
Coun Bob Robertson said: “The conditions are quite extensive. If the premises complies with them all then it will minimise disruption, but some may be difficult to control.
“If councillors get complaints from residents they can show them these conditions and if they aren’t being adhered to the bar could have the licence withdrawn.”
Coun Nic Best said the committee will have to change its approach to such applications in future.
“Rather than saying we haven’t got the information so we can’t say anything, I suggest that we take the matters of concern to the police and Environmental Health and ask them to include them in any discussions,” he said.
“We are consulted because we know what people are saying about these licensing applications.”